Tuscany’s Cities of Art: San Gimignano

San Gimignano is famous for its double circle of town walls and the medieval towers that still stand out in its skyline.

Its economic heyday was in the Middle Ages when the town’s robust economy allowed the creation of an urban aristocracy, which expressed its political and social supremacy by constructing the towers.

Originally, there were 72 towers, of which today only 13 remain intact. Seven of them stand around the main square of Piazza della Cisterna. At 54 meters, the tallest is the Torre del Podestà, also known as Torre Grossa.

The most interesting monuments in the city of San Gimignano are the Cathedral of the Duomo, the town hall, also known as the Palazzo del Popolo, and the church of St. Augustine.

In 1990, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Gimignano is a farming town famous for producing Vernaccia, a D.O.C. wine, and for growing saffron.

Events and Spectacles

• In June “Ferie delle messi”, this historical spectacle is held on Sunday afternoons, with a parade of riders, costumed figures, and a jousting tournament.
• In July and August a series of shows and events are held both inside and outside the walls, with operas, dramas, ballets, and symphonies and chamber music concerts taking place in Piazza Duomo.

Tuscany’s Cities of Artitinerary/san gimignano