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San Gimignano Tourist Information and San Gimignano Tourism
(San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy, IT)



A hilltop Tuscan treasure crowned by no less than 14 tall, medieval towers, the skyline of San Gimignano is instantly recognisable and very hard to miss. Locals in Tuscany often refer to the town as San Gimignano delle Belle Torri, which literally translates as 'of the Fine Towers'.

A number of central public squares lie in the heart of San Gimignano, such as both the Piazza della Cisterna and the Piazza del Duomo, the latter of which is home to both the tourist information office and of course the cathedral (Collegiata). Nearby, the Via San Matteo is an important local thoroughfare and connects the northern gate, known as the Porta San Matteo.




San Gimignano Tourist Information: Top San Gimignano Sights
Although the towers are a very famous symbol of the town and have contributed greatly to tourism, they are in actual fact fairly simple in design, but very tall. However, San Gimignano really does have much more to offer tourists than its towers, boasting a rich Etruscan history, and once even suffered an unsuccessful attack by none other than Attilla the Hun. Tourist attractions include the hilltop fortress, the Rocca di Montestaffoli, which is a familiar sight as you approach the town and dates back to the mid-14th century. Many further sights line the streets of Via San Giovanni and Via San Matteo, and also surround the Piazza della Cisterna. More information about San Gimignano Tourist Attractions.

When it comes to landmarks, there is really no shortage in San Gimignano. Apart from the town's towers and Collegiata cathedral, tourists will also find the Chiesa di Sant'Agostino quite a sight to behold, along with the Palazzo Communale, which presides over the Piazza del Duomo, where it serves as the Town Hall. The medieval walls surrounding much of San Gimignano date from the 13th century and are quite a landmark in their own right, with the ancient Porta San Giovanni being especially impressive, having allowed access through the town walls for over 700 years. More information about San Gimignano Tourist Landmarks and Monuments.

A number of different interesting topics are explored within San Gimignano's museums and these cover everything from archaeology, wine making and even medieval crime, at the rather gruesome Museum of Torture (Museo della Tortura). Should you be interested in the world of art, San Gimignano is also home to a number of excellent art galleries, which are often religious in their nature, such as the Museum of Sacred Art on the Piazza Pecori. For something a bit more cutting edge, the Gallery of Contemporary Art may well be for you, housing some rather stylish paintings and sculptures by local artists from Tuscany. More information about San Gimignano Museums and San Gimignano Art Galleries.

San Gimignano is conveniently located to explore the whole of Tuscany and those holidaying in this town are strongly advised to leave enough time to pay a visit to the city of Florence, which is just over one hour away and home to a spectacular 14th-century cathedral (Duomo) and endless Gothic architecture. Siena is another Tuscan treasure close to San Gimignano and famed for its terracotta rooftops and spacious Piazza del Campo. Also nearby are the towns of Assisi, Monteriggioni and Volterra. A day trip to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa is even possible - something quite unmissable. More information about San Gimignano Attractions Nearby.

More San Gimignano Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: North-Central Italy
• Location: Tuscany / Province of Siena
• Status: hill town
• Area: approximately 54 square miles / 140 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 7,500
• Language: Italian
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT + 1 hour
• Country dialling code: +39
• Telephone area code: 0577
• Average daily San Gimignano January temperature: 9°C / 48°F
• Average daily San Gimignano July temperature: 31°C / 88°F

 
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