Travel bucket list idea:
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
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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.
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.
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
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.
Best for ages 18+
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
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.
Best for ages 18+
San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
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).
Best for ages 4+
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.
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.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Tuscany, Italy
A heady mix of incomparable Renaissance art, gorgeous palazzos, Tuscan cuisine and home-grown haute couture.
Tuscany, Italy
The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.
