Located on a hill dominating the Val d'Elsa, encircled by forified walls, this town is an extraordinary example of medieval city planning. An art city, replete with treasures, it is a very popular tourist destination. The surrounding territory, cultivated with grapes, produces the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano. An etruscan community in the Hellenistic period (3rd to 2nd century BC), it had its current name since the 10th century, in tribute to the Modenese bishop that saved the community from barbarian invasions. 

 

A free community since 1199, it waged a series of wars with the nearby cities and it was heavily damaged by the continuing conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Weakened by a plague (1st half of the 14th century) that decimated the population, it was returned to Florentine domination in 1353. San Gimignano is the birtplace of numerous illustrious saints and men of letters. The 15 surviving towers of the original 72, the 13th century city wall, the numerous tower-houses and other historic buildings make the view and landscape of San Gimignano truly unique. An open space of enormous scenic charm, the Piazza della Cisterna is characterized by the monumental cistern (13th-14th century). 

 

Dominated by the Ardinghelli and Grossa towers, it is lined by historic buildings. The monumental centre of the city is Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by 13th century tower-huoses, Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzetto Chigi, Palazzo del Comune and Palazzo del Popolo, and finally, the Romanesque church adorned by frescoes decorating its 3 naves.

Province de Sienne. Altitude: 324 m - 7383 hab.