The Best Medieval Town in Tuscany?
Which is the best medieval town in Tuscany?
A question probably very common not only for those wishing to visit this fantastic region or that have already visited it, but very popular for all living here like me! anyone has his or her precise idea on what is most beautiful, most impressive, and most suggestive to visit…..
Tuscany boasts countless fabulous little villages spread all across its territory, and it’s impossible to give a definite answer on which is the best medieval Tuscan town.
San Gimignano medieval village by the beautiful towers
This being said, however, we must admit that the medieval village of San Gimignano is unique both for its peculiar characteristics and its intriguing history. No other village in Italy has so many spectacular medieval towers, today about 14, but as many as 72 in the Middle Ages!
The town is impressive even today thanks its skyline of towers, just imagine how it would have looked like with 72 towers! A true spectacle!
This incredible collection of towers makes San Gimignano like no other village.
What to see in San Gimignano
Being one of the most beautiful villages of Italy, San Gimignano is always crowded with tourists, attracted by its beauty and by the views over the surrounding hills.
There are lots of things to see in San Gimignano. The museum at the Palazzo Comunale or Town Hall, one of the oldest public buildings in Tuscany, is where you can admire the Sala Dante Hall with the Majesty of Lippo Memmi.
The Pinacoteca instead, displays the masterpieces by Filippo Lippi, Benozzo Gozzoli and the great altarpiece by Pinturicchio. From the Pinacoteca you can access the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in town, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view all over the city and the verdant hills all around.
The Duomo is beautiful and the Archaeological Museum very interesting. The Rocca di Montestaffoli, that overlooks San Gimignano is then the ideal place to relax thanks to the lovely panorama on the Tuscan hills.
And also San Gimignano 1300, Piazza della Cisterna, the Fonti Medievali and many more…attractions in San Gimignano.
The Best Day Trips from San Gimignano
The outskirts of San Gimignano also offers a lot to any visitor…the countryside here is enchanting. The location of San Gimignano halfway between Florence and Siena, in a territory full of nature and green hills, makes it a great base to discover Tuscany. Find a list of the great day trips you can make from San Gimignano.
Where to stay in San Gimignano
For a romantic weekend in San Gimignano or to use this wonderful medieval village as your home base in Tuscany, I suggest the elegant 3 star Hotel Antico Pozzo, in the heart of the village within the walls, or the extremely charming and familiar B&B Locanda Viani, that enjoys a breathtaking view over San Gimignano’s scenic Towers.
