Travel Eye on San Gimignano (Italy)

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Overview:

San Gimignano is probably the most famous small town in Italy, and there are few places that evoke the atmosphere of mediaeval Tuscany so powerfully. The city walls, the palaces, and the celebrated 14 towers (out of an original 72) still stand as they did in the 13th century.

The town really does live up to expectations; it is immaculately preserved and surrounded by some of the loveliest countryside in Tuscany. However, what you may not be expecting is just how popular a tourist destination the town is. It is utterly packed with tourists throughout the summer months ( do try to visit out of season), and the atmosphere of quiet rural village is hard to maintain.

This should not though deter you from visiting, just be prepared for the crowds. Why not try to stay overnight? - most visitors are day-trippers, and the town is a very different beast at night.

In spite of the usual intrusion of modern elements, visitors will relish exploring the narrow, labyrinthine and often steep cobbled streets and alleyways lined with ancient stone villas, houses and many fine churches.

Locality:

San Gimignano is located in NW Italy, in the heart of Tuscany, 56 mls SE of Pisa and Galileo Galilei airport. It is set on a lofty hilltop high above the Elisa Valley, with a panoramic view of terraced Tuscan countryside.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

San Gimignano is also famous for its Torture museum , with a display of instruments and devices for torture in various times and places, complete with multi-lingual descriptions of their use.

There are many churches in the town: the two main ones are the Collegiata and Sant'Agostino .

Day attractions include a wealth of medieval architecture, historic monuments, ancient churches and interesting museums.

Evenings are very low key, soak up the atmosphere in pleasant pavement cafes.

Day trips to the local Chianti wine region are very informative and obviously suitable for the wine connoiseur.