With its medieval towers, fortified 13th-century walls and winding, narrow streets, San Gimignano is the literal embodiment of charming rusticity. Popular with day-trippers from nearby Siena and Florence, this hilltop city has everything you could want from a visit to the beautiful Italian region of Tuscany.
San Gimignano has an abundance of eye-catching architecture, but the undeniable showpiece is its millennia-old towers that encompass the beautiful square of Piazza del Duomo. It’s here where you’ll also discover the Collegiata, a Romanesque cathedral known for its lifelike frescoes portraying events from The Bible and the life of the city’s patron saint, Fina.
The Tuscan jewel of San Gimignano is home to a variety of civic museums that showcase the city’s incredible history and majestic works of art. The Palazzo Comunale houses significant frescoes such as the ‘Virgin and Child’ by Lippo Memmi, but also gives access to the Torre Grossa (meaning big tower). You can take in soaring views over the Tuscan countryside from the top, but be sure to visit the small on-site museum before you leave. It’s also worth discovering the interactive experience at the San Gimignano 1300 museum, which features a faithful restoration of the city as it was in medieval times.
San Gimignano serves all the Italian staples you’d expect, with innovative ice-cream flavours served at Gelateria Dondoli and a native white wine in Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Traditional Tuscan dishes to try include wild boar or tagliatelle served in truffle sauce.
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From £311 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.44 |
| Language | Italian |
| Average weekend price | £123 per night |
| Average weekday price | £122 per night |
| Typical stay | 2 nights |
The stay was way too short, wish could have lasted longer,...
10 June 2024
The stay was way too short, wish could have lasted longer, the room with the balcony view was a pleasant surprise, fantastic panorama couldn't ask for more, the breakfast had a lot of variety to suit everyone's choice . The staff are very helpful and friendly , a special mention for the lady who cleans the rooms, not easy but she did the work with care and a smile on her face , would recommend to anyone who has the chance to visit😊
It was wonderfully located for our other side trips to...
2 June 2024
It was wonderfully located for our other side trips to Florence, Siena, and Chianti. There was a lovely art store and shop for kitchen aprons, linens and oven mitts which can be custom embroidered where we made purchases. And an interesting paper museum all within a short walk of each other.
Gorgeous little town, amazing food and really nice to walk...
28 May 2024
Gorgeous little town, amazing food and really nice to walk around. It is clearly designed for tourists which has both positives and negatives. There is clear signage everywhere and the parking facilities are excellent (and cheap!) However it does get really crowded in the afternoon as there are a lot of tours in big groups walking around so would advise going early morning or evening. The evening time was great, very few tourists around and lots of nice restaurants and gelaterie to get dinner/ice cream.
A trip to Tuscany must include San Gimignano!
1 December 2023
A trip to Tuscany must include San Gimignano! Highly recommend for its medieval charm, spectacular views and delicious food. It really feels like stepping back in time. It’s not public transport accessible and if you have limited time, hiring a car is the best way to go. Ample public parking is available as well. We visited around late October so it wasn’t too busy compared to summer time and the weather was perfectly warm during the day and mild around dinner time. Light jacket only. It’s a photographer’s delight as there’s always a scenic opportunity as we turn a corner. From SG we drove to Siena, another stunning city close by and not to miss! For lunch we were lucky enough to stumble upon a small multi-Routard recommended resto and it seriously did not disappoint. It’s called Osteria Nonna Gina di Lella e Dado. Some of the best pasta we’ve had in Emilia Romagna is here. Also don’t miss the gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, they’ve won multiple awards and offer unique gelato flavours you really have to try.
If you’re in Tuscany, you have to visit San Giminiano.
2 November 2023
If you’re in Tuscany, you have to visit San Giminiano. The city centre has a very special architecture and a lot of small shops and wineries. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days with your spouse. We had a wine tasting at Marronaia Winery, close to the city and we enjoyed it, but next time I would also try another winery, like Tenuta Torciano, which we tried a few months earlier. We ate a fantastic meal at ristorante Fuoriluogo, which I recommend strongly. I recommend staying as close as possible to the city, it’s a nice feeling that you can walk while admiring the sights.
I can't describe it, you have to be there, you have to...
31 October 2023
I can't describe it, you have to be there, you have to see this miracle. I recommend parking lots number 3 and 4, there is always space, the price is reasonable and you only have to walk for a few minutes, and there is also an elevator.
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