the city of towers
San GimignanoSan Gimignano is a small town in the province of Siena, rich in culture and history, situated halfway between the cities of Florence and Siena, with distances of 60 and 45 km, respectively. This town is easily accessible by bus or car.
Built on a hill at an elevation of 300 meters, the town offers a splendid view of the picturesque landscape of Val d'Elsa and its surroundings. Archaeological finds indicate that this hill has been inhabited since Etruscan and Roman times. Thanks to its privileged position on the hill, the valley could be closely monitored.
San Gimignano was named after the bishop of Modena in the 10th century. During the Middle Ages, the town flourished due to the Via Francigena, a road that was crucial for trade and attracted many travelers who sought shelter or assistance in the town during their pilgrimage to Rome. By the end of the 1100s, San Gimignano boasted seventy towers, built by wealthy families as symbols of their wealth and power. There are fourteen characteristic towers in the center of San Gimignano that give the town its distinct and unique character. Over time, it has retained its medieval charm and is considered a small jewel in the heart of Tuscany. "The Town of Fine Towers" was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1990.
