San Gimignano on the map of Italy. San Gimignano is the jewel of Tuscany! Cathedral Square of San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a unique town, part World Heritage UNESCO. He can even hit seasoned tourists. Proud towers and palaces, colorful streets, knightly tournaments and festivals have made San Gimignano the most popular place Tuscany. It is often called the “Italian New York” due to its tall towers, reminiscent of the Big Apple skyscrapers, which were built in the mid-12th century. True, only 14 of the 72 towers have survived to this day.
The town of San Gimignano, a treasure trove of Tuscan architecture, is located on a hill rising 334 meters above the Elsa River valley. More than two million people come here every year to touch it. rich history, admire the famous towers - a symbol of the power of the noble families who lived here. The city owes its name to the Bishop of Modena: according to legend, during the attack of the Huns, Gimignano went to Attila and persuaded him not to ruin the inhabitants.
The settlement on the site of present-day San Gimignano was founded by the Etruscans before our era, in 200–300. It became a city during the Middle Ages, around the 10th century, and at the same time experienced its economic and cultural rise. This was largely facilitated by the major trade route running through it - Via Francigena, connecting Rome and France.
Having received the status of a “free city” in 1199, San Gimignano began a series of wars with Volterra and other neighbors. It was also torn apart by internal conflicts - between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. In addition, in 1348, a pestilence began here due to the “black plague.” As a result, all this led to the decline of the city, and in 1353 it was forced to submit to Florence. But in subsequent centuries, San Gimignano was still able to regain its importance.
In addition to the majestic towers, here you can see luxurious palaces– Palazzo Nuovo del Podesta and Palazzo del Popolo, Cathedral and the Church of St. Agostino. Tourists will be attracted by exhibitions of sacred relics and an ominous torture museum with terrible instruments of torture. The souvenir shops - and there are simply countless of them - sell beautiful ceramics and other products of local artisans. You will definitely enjoy the best sweets in Italy, as well as the exquisite white wine Vernacci.
One of the most popular entertainments in San Gimignano is the Harvest Festival, celebrated since the Middle Ages at the end of June. A stunning sight awaits you: crowds of townspeople in folk clothes, hurrying through the narrow streets to Piazza della Cisterna, where mounted knights ride out. Every year the Giostra dei Bastoni (stick fighting) tournament is organized here, attracting many tourists to the tiny town. All kinds of spectacles under open air: cultural festivals, opera and ballet, performances, fireworks.
You can get to San Gimignano by bus from Florence (5-8 euros, 1 hour 45 minutes, 12 departures per day) or Siena (5-8 euros, 1.5 hours, 10 departures). There is an information office in Piazza del Duomo. Here you can find free maps, book a hotel room, buy bus tickets, as well as audio guides along the city streets for 5 euros. In addition, the office organizes walking tours, which start from March to October every Sunday at 15:00 in English and Italian for 15 euros.
In 1282 the government passed a law prohibiting the demolition of old houses only for the purpose of building even more beautiful ones in their place. From that day on, over the course of a century, the city reached its greatest prosperity and decline, avoiding radical changes. The medieval town, which today attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world, looks just like it did in those days. True, out of 72 towers (one for each noble family) built in the Middle Ages, only 13 remain. Otherwise, the city makes a very strong historical impression. suffers from mass tourism, from the constant streams of people coming and going. And the town requires a leisurely inspection: it is better to choose the off-season or weekdays.
Cathedral of San Gimignano
The one who came after Florence, Pisa or Siena may not be particularly impressed appearance Cathedral. The modest Romanesque facade of the 12th century, however, does not contradict the beautiful interior.
Divided into three naves, the church of Santa Maria Assunta has preserved some of its masterpieces: in the upper part of the rear wall is the Torment of St. Sebastian by Benozzo Gozzoli, and in the center is the peculiar Last Judgment by Taddeo Bartolo. Along the right wall are the Stories of the New Testament by Simone Martini's students, along the left are the Stories of the Old Testament by Bartolo Fredi. The transverse nave hides two more masterpieces: a wooden crucifix of 1200 and the Santa Fina Chapel (see point 2).
Chapel of Santa Fina in San Gimignano
Santa Fina lived a difficult life. After the death of her mother, she decided to pray until her death, stretched out on a wooden table. According to legend, the Great Saint Gregory took her to him because she died and found eternal life she is on his day.
This is what Ghirlandaio tells with his frescoes in the chapel of the same name in the Cathedral. This scene is depicted on the right wall, and on the left is the saint’s funeral, at which three miracles occurred: the old nurse was healed of paralysis, the crying child’s sight was restored, and the bells of all the towers were rung by angels.
Cathedral Square of San Gimignano
If the Cathedral is the religious symbol of the city, then the People's Palace (Palazzo del Popolo) is secular. Together they form Cathedral Square.
The Palace of the Commune (or City Hall) is located to the left of the square, between the main tower and the Lodge of the Commune. The latter gathered the authorities for public ceremonies. Today the palace houses the Civil Museum (Il Museo Civico di San Gimignano). In truth, this is the new city hall building - from 1337, and before that it was located in the old palace in front of the Cathedral.
Civic Museum of San Gimignano
The Civic Museum is located inside the People's Palace, which already on the approaches shines with the beauty of the 1361 reservoir and frescoes.
Immediately behind the stairs is the Dante Hall, named after the poet, who stayed in the city on business with the Guelph Union. The hall was painted by Lippo Memmi in 1317. After this comes the hall of the Secret Assembly, from where, through the main tower, you can go to art gallery with masterpieces by Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli, Filippino Lippi.
Area of the reservoir in San Gimignano
So unusually picturesque, located on the top of the hill around which the city grew, the square is a must-see.
It takes its name from the octagonal well dug by the will of the mayor Guccio Malavolti, whose coat of arms (staircase) is carved into the stones. Harmonious and peaceful, it is without a doubt the most beautiful in and one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. If Cathedral Square is a religious and political center, then Reservoir Square is shopping mall, since there were numerous shops here, a market and tournaments took place. Further along Via Castello you can see the Tortoli Castle with 13th-century windows, the Pucci Tower, the Albergo della Cisterna, the Ridolfi Palace, the towers and houses of Becci and Cugnanesi, the Pellari Palace Pellari) and the Ardinghelli Palace (palazzo Ardinghelli) with two towers. On the other side of the square rises the Devil's Tower (Torre del Diavolo), so named because, as its owner said, one day, when he returned home, the tower became taller: who else could have done this in his absence, if not the devil himself? If you stop in the square, buy ice cream at the gelateria Dondoli, famous throughout the world.
Museum of Torture in San Gimignano
If you want to learn about all the possible ways to torture a person and have strong nerves, go to the Museum of Torture (Museo della Tortura).
In general, there are two museums: the first is located on three floors and tells about the history of torture methods in different countries, demonstrates tools, photographs and gives detailed explanations and picturesque demonstrations on mannequins. The second, higher one, is dedicated to the death penalty. The ticket price is a bit high – 10 euros – but people pay for the uniqueness of the place.
Church of St. Augustine (Chiesa di Sant'Agostino)
A small treasure trove of works of art, the church, however, usually undeservedly falls out of the agenda of the always-hurrying tourist. And in vain.
Its vault is painted by Sebastiano Mainardi and depicts the doctors of the Church (Ambrogio, Augustino, Girolamo and Gregorio), and the floor is tiled by Andrea Robbia. Two masterpieces of the church are the Coronation of Mary by Pollaiuolo on the high altar and the History of the Life of St. Augustine, a cycle of frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli in the choir.
Montestaffoli Fortress (Rocca di Montestaffoli)
It was built to defend the city from attacks by Siena. Little remains of the ancient citadel, but the site is worth a look. The only turret remains at the foot of the complex, from which you can see beautiful view to the surrounding area. Today, festivals and celebrations are held here, in particular the stick tournament (Giostra dei Bastoni) on the third weekend of June.
What to eat in San Gimignano
Vernaccia wine and saffron are two products typical and famous throughout the world. Saffron, yellow gold, has more than once acted here as the equivalent of money: it was used to pay off debts acquired in the long wars with Siena and Florence.
The value of this spice can be understood by imagining how many flowers are needed to make one kg of saffron: 150,000! Vernaccia, a dry white wine produced in , was sung by Dante, Boccaccio, Louis the Black and Lorenzo the Magnificent. Among local dishes– classic Tuscan croutons with poultry liver, local sausage and pecorino, first courses with wild boar meat and second, mainly meat courses.
The tourist city of San Gimignano is located in Italy. It is considered a true pearl of the Tuscany region. His appearance seemed to have been transferred from medieval paintings and frescoes to the real world. If you walk along the city streets and alleys, you get the impression that all the achievements of progress are in the past, and the ancient atmosphere of stone buildings and structures reigns around.
San Gimignano: historical background
In the 3rd century, the Etruscans founded the first village in the territory of modern Tuscany. Later the Romans came to these lands. They captured them and founded Fort Sylvia there. And in the 10th century the city received its current name. And it was named in honor of Bishop Geminian, who was considered the patron saint of these places.
In 1199, the town came under the jurisdiction of Volterra. At the same time, the first mayor appeared there, who was called “podest” in Italian. During this time period, San Gimignano received several directions of development:
- Trade. The “Road of the Franks” ran through this city;
- Pilgrimage. Pilgrims went to Rome through San Gimignano.
The city's population was then double what it is today, at 15,000. In addition, in the city at that time two influential families shared power: the Salvucci and the Ardingelli.
There were outbreaks of plague several times in San Gimignano. And the construction of new structures was not carried out at all. Therefore, the city has retained its historical appearance. And it became an important tourist destination.
San Gimignano today
Today, the tourist stronghold is included in the UNESCO World List. San Gimignano is famous not only for its appearance, but also for the fact that saffron is grown in its surroundings. The city is also proudly called “Vernace di San Gimignano”, which translates as “city of white wine”.
The city itself has many towers, wells and narrow streets with a strong slope. There are also monasteries and churches, museums and restaurants with gourmet cuisine.
Sights of the ancient city
Why is San Gimignano called the city of a hundred towers? During the golden period of the Middle Ages, the city had 72 towers that served as defensive structures. Then, during World War II, their number was reduced to 25 due to bombing. Today there are only 14 towers in San Gimignano.
In addition to the above-mentioned towers, the city has other attractions that are worthy of tourists visiting them again and again.
Cathedral Square
It is this square that connects the main tourist sites of the city. There is the most high tower, located to the right of the beautiful town hall. Also on the square there is the Collegiate Church, the Palace of the Commune, as well as the city museum, which displays elegant paintings by Florentine artists.
The square itself is paved with stone. Its shades harmonize well with old buildings. From this place, roads and streets spread throughout the city in all directions. The square can be considered the central area of the city.
Torture Museum
The sinister museum is located in the Devil's Tower on Via del Castello. The museum exhibits are authentic instruments of torture, collected according to the periods of their use.
Coming to this place, you can learn a lot about the history of the Inquisition. The oldest exhibits in the museum date back to the 13th century. Museum tours are also conducted in English.
Montestaffoli Fortress
To the west of Piazza Duomo are the ruins of a majestic fortress. Today, under the surviving arches of the structure, concerts are held and local residents relax. Previously, there was the castle of the Bishop of Volterra, which was then transformed into a fortified and reinforced fortress.
The walls of the structure are only 2175 meters long. These walls were built to protect the city and to control local residents. The architecture of the fortress is austere but attractive. And with her observation platforms there are beautiful views.
How to get to San Gimignano?
The most convenient way to get to San Gimignano is from Florence. From there, various regular buses go to this town.
There is a train connection to Poggibonsi, which is closest to San Gimignano. These cities are also connected by the SP1 highway. From Siena to this place You can also get there by bus. The travel time will be a little over an hour.
Public transport operates within the city. Residents of San Gimignano can park their cars behind the fortress wall without hindrance. But for tourists, entry by car into the historical part is prohibited. Therefore, they have to leave their cars outside this area in special parking zones in the south and north.
San Gimignano is a city steeped in history, frozen in its splendor. It can be called an open-air museum. Therefore, it is worth visiting it if you happen to visit Italy.
