The most impressive thing about San Gimignano is without a doubt the silhouette.
The many towers on a hill in the middle of the Chianti wine region can already be seen from afar, which is why the place was given the nickname “Manhattan of Tuscany”, which is not really meant. The towers are actually from the Middle Ages, they are called "gender towers" because they were built in competition between wealthy families.
Why are there so many towers?
It was about which family can finance and build the tallest tower. In historical days there were up to 72 towers in total that were erected as inhabited defense towers, not infrequently because of the dispute between families.
Even Dante tried for a few years to reconcile the aristocratic families, but in vain. Finally, the Grand Duke of Florence an end to this struggle for air sovereignty. From 1563, no further towers were allowed to be built, the quarrels finally stopped and the remaining 15 towers were preserved as contemporary witnesses. This is how this unique cityscape from the Middle Ages was saved in our time.
San Gimignano in the Province of Siena has almost 8.000 inhabitants, in the high season there are tens of thousands of tourists who roll over this small place, to the chagrin of the locals, who feel like they are in a living museum.
The will take place on Thursday morning Market instead of. It takes place in Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Cisterna from 8 a.m. to 13 p.m.
Recommendation from Tuscany tour:
That is why we recommend that you look for a nice area in the area of S. Gimignano, which gives you an unobstructed view of the picturesque scenery at all times, and visit this medieval gem mainly in the early evening hours when you find the Piazza della Cisterna in contemplative peace is open.
San Gimignano Museum
Do not miss the Museum of San Gimignano, which shows so beautifully and vividly the cityscape in the 13th century, the heyday of the place and also provides the explanations for the incessant feuds in this early era. The museum has a large number of scientific sponsors and supporters worldwide (www.sangimignano1300.com). Also note our recommendations for San Gimignano in the context of the Round tour through the Chianti area.
Arrive by car
The drive to San Gimignano is almost entirely by road, through beautiful rural areas. Due to the lack of a connection to an expressway / motorway, a longer journey time is to be expected. Take this into account.
There are parking spaces around the city center of San Gimignano (the old town cannot be accessed by car). During the main holiday periods, the parking spaces can be full at lunchtime. It is therefore best to arrive earlier.
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