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Museum · San Gimignano, Toscana
Palazzo Comunale e Torre Grossa
The medieval town hall of San Gimignano, home to the Musei Civici, with the Sala di Dante, the picture gallery and the ascent to the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in the town.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Palazzo Comunale e Torre Grossa
The Palazzo Comunale, also called Palazzo del Popolo, stands in the Piazza del Duomo and was the seat of the town government from the late 13th century. Today it houses the Musei Civici. The Sala di Dante is so named because, in 1300, the poet was there as an ambassador of Florence. The Maestà by Lippo Memmi, from 1317, is also in the same room.
Upstairs, the picture gallery brings together paintings from the 13th to the 15th centuries, with works by Filippino Lippi, Benozzo Gozzoli and Pinturicchio. The small Camera del Podestà has frescoes by Memmo di Filippuccio depicting scenes from the life of a couple, one of the rare medieval cycles with a secular, everyday theme.
From the palace you reach the Torre Grossa, completed in 1311, about 54 meters high. It is the tallest tower in San Gimignano and the only one you can climb. The stairs, partly metal, lead up to the terrace, with views of the other towers, the roofs and the vineyards of the Elsa valley.
The visit is included in the Musei Civici ticket and in the San Gimignano Pass, which also covers the Collegiata and other sites in the circuit.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About one to one and a half hours, including the climb to the tower.
Best time
Mid-morning or late afternoon, when the light enhances the towers as seen from above. On very windy or rainy days the view from the terrace is impaired.
How to get there
The entrance is in the Piazza del Duomo, next to the Collegiata, about a 5-minute walk from the Porta San Giovanni.
Tip
Climb the tower first if there are few people, and see the picture gallery afterwards. There is no elevator and the final sections are narrow.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palazzo Comunale e Torre Grossa
Can you climb any tower in San Gimignano?
Yes, on the Torre Grossa, the tallest, about 54 meters high. Entrance is through the Musei Civici, in the Palazzo Comunale.
What is in the Musei Civici?
The Sala di Dante with the Maestà by Lippo Memmi, the picture gallery with works by Filippino Lippi and Benozzo Gozzoli, and the Camera del Podestà, with frescoes depicting scenes of couples.
Why is the room called Sala di Dante?
Because Dante Alighieri was there in 1300 as an ambassador of Florence to the government of San Gimignano.
Is there an elevator to go up the tower?
No. The ascent is on foot, via stairs, some of them metal and narrow at the end.