Everything you need to know about visiting the Tuscan Italian city of San Gimignano.
The city of towers, San Gimignano, is located in Tuscany about 25 miles north of Siena, Italy, and 25 miles south of Florence, Italy. San Gimignano is a perfect day trip from either location or a great place to stop on your way from one city to the other.
This gorgeous city has 13th-century walls that encircle it and it once had 72 medieval towers that loomed over the city, but now only 14 remain. The city was once a strategic point for stopping on a popular route for pilgrims traveling to Rome. It is easy to see why the historic hill city is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tip: Try to visit the city early in the morning or later in the afternoon/early evening otherwise the city could be packed with day trippers/tour groups. San Gimignano is completely worth the trip to visit because it is such a gorgeous medieval Italian city.
If you are traveling to the Tuscany region of Italy you may also be interested in these guides to Siena, Italy, and Florence, Italy.
Getting to San Gimignano
The easiest way to get to San Gimignano from either Siena or Florence is to drive. We found it fairly easy to navigate in Italy and had no problems. If you’re driving, there are several paid parking lots outside the city’s walls to park in.
Other options for visiting San Gimignano include by bus from Florence or Siena or with a tour group.
What to See in San Gimignano
Piazza Duomo
Several places to visit are located just off the Piazza Duomo including Torre Grossa Tower and the Duomo di San Gimignano. It was once the center of the city’s religious and political life. You can purchase a combo ticket at the entrance to the sites that include the Duomo, Tower, and art gallery.
Duomo di San Gimignano
The Duomo di San Gimignano does not look special from the outside, but the inside is beautiful! This cathedral has striking 14th-century frescos that cover the interior walls.
Torre Grossa
Torre Grossa, built in 1310, is the tallest tower in San Gimignano at 177 feet tall and you can climb it. After climbing the 218 steps to the top you will have panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Piazza della Cisterna
The old town center of Piazza Della Cisterna is a triangular square that is lined with houses, shops, and restaurants (along with a world-champion gelato shop – Gelateria Dondoli). The piazza has a well or cistern in the center of it.
Punto Panoramico
A short walk from the center of town, just south of Piazza della Cisterna, is a spot with panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and vineyards. It is a narrow path but it is marked with signposts and completely worth the walk.
Visit a Winery
San Gimignano is famous for its Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine, which is made using grapes that are grown in the countryside. You can visit one of the many wineries that surround the town.
