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San Gimignano is the famous tower town of Tuscany: Of the approximately 72 medieval towers that once stood there, 14 remain, and the old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. This small town in the province of Siena lies between Florence and Siena and can be explored in half a day to a full day. The weekly market is on Thursday mornings.
San Gimignano at a glance
- Duration: ½ to 1 day
- Weekly market: Thursdays around 8 a.m. to 13 p.m. in Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo
- Highlights: Torre Grossa (54 m, 218 steps) – the only tower that can be climbed
- Wine: Vernaccia di San Gimignano, white DOCG wine
- Parking: Car-free old town – paid parking lots P1–P4 on the outskirts of the city, motorhomes on P5 Santa Lucia
Why does San Gimignano have so many towers?
Die Silhouette ist schon von Weitem zu sehen – daher der augenzwinkernde Beiname „Manhattan der Toskana“. Die Türme entstanden zwischen dem 11. und 13. Jahrhundert als Wohn- und Wehrtürme wohlhabender Patrizierfamilien, die mit ihrer Höhe Reichtum und Macht zeigten. Rund 72 sollen es einst gewesen sein, heute stehen noch 14. Dass das mittelalterliche Stadtbild so gut erhalten ist, liegt auch daran, dass San Gimignano nach der Pest von 1348 an Bedeutung verlor und unter florentinische Herrschaft kam – es wurde kaum noch neu gebaut.
Incidentally, on May 8, 1300, Dante Alighieri was in San Gimignano on behalf of Florence as an envoy of the Tuscan Guelph League – the Sala di Dante in the Palazzo Comunale commemorates this.
Sights in San Gimignano
Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo
Die beiden zusammenhängenden Plätze bilden das Herz der Altstadt. Die dreieckige Piazza della Cisterna ist nach dem Brunnen aus dem 13. Jahrhundert benannt und von Türmen und Palästen umgeben. An der Piazza del Duomo stehen die romanische Stiftskirche (Collegiata) mit Freskenzyklen aus dem 14. und 15. Jahrhundert – unter anderem von Domenico Ghirlandaio in der Kapelle der Santa Fina – sowie der Palazzo Comunale.
Torre Grossa and Civic Museums
Completed in 1311, the Torre Grossa, at 54 meters, is the tallest tower in the city and the only one open to visitors. 218 steps lead to the viewing platform overlooking the Elsa Valley. The climb is included in the combined ticket for the Musei Civici (Palazzo Comunale and Pinacoteca); current opening times and prices are published by the museum administration (sangimignanomusei.it).
Museum San Gimignano 1300
The San Gimignano 1300 Museum vividly depicts the town during its heyday around 1300 as a large, handcrafted ceramic model – complete with all its towers. A great way to get an overview before exploring the town.
Vernaccia of San Gimignano
The white grape variety Vernaccia grows around the town. Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status in 1966 and is now a DOCG wine. You can taste it in the wine bars of the old town or directly at the surrounding wineries. Learn more about the wines of the region: Tuscany Wine.
Practical tips for San Gimignano
When is the market in San Gimignano?
The weekly market takes place every Thursday from approximately 8 a.m. to 13 p.m. in the Piazza della Cisterna and the Piazza del Duomo – right in the heart of the old town. Food, clothing, leather goods, and household items are offered. You can find other markets in the area, such as the one in nearby Colle di Val d'Elsa on Fridays , in our overview of weekly markets in Tuscany.
Arrival and parking
By car, take the Florence-Siena expressway to the Poggibonsi exit and from there follow the country road to San Gimignano. By bus and train, go via Poggibonsi (train station) and then continue by bus. The old town is closed to cars; there are paid parking lots on the outskirts. In summer, these are often full at midday – arrive early or late in the afternoon.
| Parking | Location / Note |
|---|---|
| P1 Giubileo | South of the Porta San Giovanni, cheapest parking lot near the old town |
| P2 Montemaggio | Right at the Porta San Giovanni, more expensive |
| P3/P4 Bagnaia | North of the old town, upper and lower areas |
| P5 Santa Lucia | Motorhome parking area approx. 3 km outside the town, with water and waste disposal facilities, bus connection (line 1) |
Our recommendation: an evening in San Gimignano
During peak season, thousands of day-trippers throng the narrow streets. Our tip: Find a nice place to stay in the surrounding area with a view of the towers and visit the town in the late afternoon and early evening when the Piazza della Cisterna is quiet again. Compare accommodations in the old town and surrounding area at Booking.com: Accommodations in San Gimignano.
Tours and excursions
Guided tours, wine tastings with Vernaccia, and e-bike tours can be found at GetYourGuide: Activities in San Gimignano . Day trips from Florence to San Gimignano are a great option without a car , often combined with Siena and the Chianti region. For independent exploration, try our tour of the Chianti region or the city tour of Siena and Volterra.
Image source: ENIT /fotoseca
Find accommodation in San Gimignano
Frequently asked questions about San Gimignano
When is the market in San Gimignano?
The weekly market takes place every Thursday from about 8 am to 13 pm in the Piazza della Cisterna and the Piazza del Duomo.
How many towers does San Gimignano have?
Today, 14 of the original 72 medieval towers still stand. The tallest is the Torre Grossa at 54 meters.
Is it possible to climb a tower in San Gimignano?
Yes, the Torre Grossa at the Palazzo Comunale is accessible: 218 steps, access with the ticket of the Musei Civici.
Where can you park in San Gimignano?
Parking is available in the paid parking lots P1 Giubileo, P2 Montemaggio, or P3/P4 Bagnaia on the edge of the car-free old town. Motorhomes can park in P5 Santa Lucia, approximately 3 km outside the town, with bus connections.
How long does it take to get to San Gimignano?
Half a day is sufficient for the old town, Torre Grossa, and the Collegiate Church. With museums, wine tasting, and the evening atmosphere, a full day or an overnight stay is worthwhile.
