Stop for gelato from the famous Gelateria di Piazza, Piazza della Cisterna
Don’t miss the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta
Credit Shutterstock.com/Marco Rubino
Inside, you’ll find fabulous frescoes by Ghilandaio
Credit Shutterstock.com/Maurizio Callari
You can climb the Torre Grossa
There are superb vies of the Tuscan countryside from the top
The Civic Museum is home to a fine collection of 12th- to 15th-century Florentine and Sienese art
Credit Shutterstock.com/lkonya
Last updated: 27 March, 2024
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Sometimes dubbed the medieval Manhattan for its clutch of slim towers (visible for miles around), iconic San Gimignano is Tuscany’s most famous (and most visited) hill town. Arguably over-restored, it is nonetheless achingly pretty, a set piece of medieval palazzi, graceful piazze, narrow streets and the aforementioned towers – of which only 14 survive of an original 72.
A good way to start a visit is by climbing the 218 steps of the Torre Grossa for an overview of the town and its jumble of red rooftops. Then wander the Piazza della Cisterna (containing the town’s old well) and Piazza del Duomo – both are lovely, the latter lined with impressive palazzi.
While you’re there
Art lovers should stop by the Pinacoteca, housing a collection of 12th- and 15th-century paintings from Florence and Siena while the 12th-century Collegiata church has superb frescoes and a chapel decorated by Ghirlandaio. It’s also worth wandering into the quieter northern reaches of the town to see the frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli in the church of Sant’Agostino.
Recommendations
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Civic Museum of San Gimignano
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
The picture gallery houses a collection of 12th- and 15th-century paintings from Florence and Siena. Look out for a 13th-century painted crucifix by Coppo di Marcovaldo, and paintings by Benozzo Gozzoli and Filippino Lippi.
Good for age: 18+
Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
The 12th-century Collegiata church has superb frescoes and a glittering interior, its vaults decorated with golden stars. The Santa Fina chapel is painted by Domenico Ghirlandaio.
Good for age: 18+
Gelateria Dondoli
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
Experience
Dondoli has earned world-wide acclaim for the quality of its gelato, made from seasonal ingredients and the best local eggs, milk and cream. High season queues are insane, but it’s worth persisting to try unusual flavours such as Santa Fina (saffron and pine nuts) and Champelmo (pink grapefruit and champagne).
Good for age: 4+
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
San Gimignano is easy to visit independently, and that way you stand a better chance of dodging the tourists.
It lies about halfway between Florence and Siena, off the superstrada that runs between the two. There is a good bus service from both places; the bus stops right at Porta San Giovanni, the main entrance to the town. The journey by car is around 40 mins from Florence and 30 mins from Siena. Note that parking within the old town is impossible; there are four car parks outside the old town walls – all are just a short walk from the centre.
The tourist office is in Piazza del Duomo and carries information about a series of guided tours of the city centre and walking tours in the nearby hills, as well as details of the combined entrance tickets for the main museums.
When to do it
There is little hope of avoiding the tour groups and crowds of day-trippers if you visit in summer, especially July and August. Staying the night is one solution (most leave at the end of the day) or visit very early in the morning. Winter is the ideal season for doing the museums, but weekends should be avoided if possible.
Who to go with: organised tours
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Famous for a wealth of art, history, striking landscapes and outstanding produce, Tuscany really does have the best of all worlds! With only a day to spare, see the best Tuscany has to offer on this full-day guided coach trip from Florence.
There’s more to Tuscany than Florence. Leave the city behind and discover three other enchanting Tuscan destinations on this day trip to Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa. Take a guided tour of beautiful Siena, famous for its bareback horse race and the Gothic Siena Cathedral, and taste typical Tuscan food and wine during a 3-course lunch in a local winery or restaurant surrounded by picture-postcard Tuscan landscapes, where vineyards, rolling hills and olive groves will be your travel companions. Then, enjoy free time to explore San Gimignano, a picturesque medieval village, and Pisa, home to the UNESCO-listed Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Discover the timeless allure of Tuscany on an immersive full-day journey! Step into the enchanting past of San Gimignano, often dubbed the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" for its towering skyline. Traverse its cobblestone streets, steeped in history, and soak in the panoramic views of this captivating Tuscan hill village.
Next, delve into the cultural richness of Siena as your expert guide unveils its treasures during a comprehensive tour of the spellbinding old town. Immerse yourself in the traditions and heritage that make Siena an icon of Italy.
Explore the quaint Monteriggioni Hamlet (*). Then, prepare your senses for a typical Tuscan lunch, while savoring exquisite wines, each sip telling a tale of the region’s rich viticulture, a perfect finale to your day in Tuscany's heart.
Please note that the order of the visits may change
(*) November to March, the Tour does not include the stop at Monteriggioni and the return to Florence is approx 30 minutes earlier
A full day tour, taking in the key beauties of Central Tuscany including a delicious Chianti wine tasting. You'll roll through the sweeping countryside to arrive at the jewel of Siena, with its unique Square and Gothic Town Hall. Then you'll take the road for San Gimignano, the Medieval New York, and Monteriggioni - a hilltop castle with breath taking views. But it's still not over! End your visit with a Chianti winery where you savor the best of Italian wines. This is a perfect day-out to relax and replenish your spirits.
Spend the day discovering the highlights of the Tuscan countryside on this guided tour, together with its amazing art cities and tasting food & wine. Make your way through the rolling hills as you discover the charm of Pisa, San Gimignano, and Siena.
Your first stop will be Pisa. See the cathedral, baptistery, and, of course, the famous Leaning Tower, one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
From Pisa, drive past hilltop hamlets scattered across some of the most enchanting areas of the countryside. Arrive in San Gimignano where a Tuscan lunch with wine pairing will be served (if option selected).
Continue to the medieval village of San Gimignano, UNESCO World Heritage site nicknamed the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages” because of its towers.
End the tour in Siena. Stroll the pedestrian historical center and visit the beautiful cathedral (if option selected). Take a walking tour along the medieval streets and squares, passing the oldest bank in the world, and Piazza del Campo.