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Square · San Gimignano, Toscana
Piazza della Cisterna
The triangular square at the heart of San Gimignano, with a 13th-century stone well in the centre and medieval towers around it.
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 Piazza della Cisterna
Piazza della Cisterna is the square you reach when you climb Via San Giovanni. It has the shape of an irregular triangle, with a floor of bricks laid in a herringbone pattern, and for centuries it was the site of the village market and its festivities.
In the center is the cistern that gives the square its name: a stone well built in 1287 and enlarged in the mid-14th century, which collected rainwater to supply the population. The marks from the ropes still show on the stone rim.
Around it are palaces and towers of medieval families, such as the two Ardinghelli towers, of similar heights, built that way because a rule at the time limited the height of private towers. The square is linked by a short passage to the Piazza del Duomo, where the Collegiata and the Palazzo Comunale are located.
With benches, gelaterias and cafés around it, it is the village meeting point and the busiest place at peak times.
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
15 to 30 minutes, plus time for a coffee or ice cream.
Best time
Early in the morning or at night, when the square is quieter and less crowded. At midday from June to August it gets very busy.
How to get there
It is in the center, about a 5-minute walk from the Porta San Giovanni up the street of the same name.
Tip
Sit on the steps of the well for a few minutes and notice the different heights of the surrounding towers. Piazza del Duomo is right next door.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Piazza della Cisterna
What is the cistern in the square?
It is a stone well from 1287 that stored rainwater for the town. It was enlarged in the 14th century and still stands in the center of the square.
Is Piazza della Cisterna near the Collegiata?
Yes. A short passage links the square to the Piazza del Duomo, where the Collegiata and the Palazzo Comunale are located.
What is the best time to photograph the square?
Early in the morning or at night, when there are fewer people and the light is softer on the bricks and towers.