- San Gimignano still has over a dozen of its medieval towers
- Climb the Torre Grossa for the best views
- Stay overnight or visit early to avoid the day-trip crowds
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano is the local white wine
- Airports
- Florence (FLR), Pisa (PSA)
- Best time to go
- April-May and September-October
- Type
- Town
San Gimignano's skyline of stone towers makes it one of the most recognisable towns in Tuscany. In the Middle Ages, rich families built dozens of towers as status symbols; around 14 survive, giving the town its nickname, the "medieval Manhattan". The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a small town in Siena province, and in high season it can be very busy by midday. Stay the night, or arrive early, and you will see a much calmer, more beautiful place. See also our Italy guide.
Things to do
- Torre Grossa – the tallest tower, which you can climb from the Palazzo Comunale, home to the civic museum and art gallery.
- Piazza della Cisterna – a triangular square with a medieval well, surrounded by towers.
- The Collegiata – the main church, covered in 14th-century frescoes of Old and New Testament scenes, with Ghirlandaio's chapel of Santa Fina.
- Sant'Agostino – frescoes of the life of St Augustine by Benozzo Gozzoli.
- Rocca di Montestaffoli – the ruined fortress, with a garden and views across the vineyards.
- Vernaccia wine – the crisp local white, which can be tasted in town or at wineries in the surrounding countryside.
- Walks in the countryside – paths through vineyards and olive groves lead to views back to the towers.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Inside the walls | Evenings and early mornings without the crowds |
| Countryside farm stays | Vineyard views and pools, a short drive away |
| Colle di Val d'Elsa | A nearby town with a fine upper old quarter |
| Siena or Florence | If you prefer to visit as a day trip |
Getting there
Fly to Florence or Pisa. From Florence, take a train or bus to Poggibonsi and then a local bus to San Gimignano; the journey takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes. By car it is around an hour from Florence and roughly 45 minutes from Siena. The centre is closed to traffic, so use the car parks outside the walls.
Best time to visit
April, May, September and October are the most pleasant. Summer brings heat and crowds. Winter is very quiet, and some shops and restaurants close.
Climb the Torre Grossa in the late afternoon, when the light over the countryside is at its warmest.
Top attractions in San Gimignano
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San Gimignano on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many towers does San Gimignano have?
Around 14 survive today, out of as many as 72 at the town's height in the Middle Ages.
Is San Gimignano worth visiting?
Yes, but it is best enjoyed early or late in the day, or overnight, rather than at midday in summer.
How do I get to San Gimignano from Florence without a car?
Take a train or bus to Poggibonsi, then a local bus up to the town.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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