12 essential things to do in San Gimignano, Italy

I recently spent several days in Tuscany and returning to this region is always a gem. I’ve spent a lot of time here and it never gets boring. These are my favorite things to do in San Gimignano to make the most of your trip.

Exploring the streets of San Gimignano today feels like stepping back in time, as the town has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. The city’s architecture, layout and atmosphere are beautifully preserved, offering a rare glimpse into the past and allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of this enchanting Tuscan gem.

What is San Gimignano known for?

A charming medieval town located in the heart of Tuscany, San Gimignano is known for its rich history and unique architectural features. During the Middle Ages, San Gimignano flourished thanks to its strategic location along the Via Francigena, an important pilgrimage route, and its proximity to another important route leading to the port of Pisa.

Pisa, then a maritime republic, was one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean, and San Gimignano benefited greatly from its trade connections.

The city is famous not only for its beautiful tower houses, which have earned it the nickname ‘Medieval Manhattan’, but also for its exceptional local products and crafts. San Gimignano’s golden age of prosperity lasted from the 11th to the 14th centuries, but the town’s fortunes turned dramatically in 1348 when the Black Plague struck.

A significant portion of the population perished, and just three years later Florence captured San Gimignano, depriving the city of its independence and marking the beginning of a steep decline.

1. Visit the Piazza del Duomo

At the heart of San Gimignano’s medieval tapestry lies the Piazza del Duomo – a captivating scene of historical and architectural grandeur. Wrapped in the towering facades of centuries-old buildings, it is a testament to the wealth and power of this once thriving city-state. It’s a great place to start your adventure or find a place to eat.

But it’s also a great photo opportunity and an essential stop for history nerds. The Duomo (or Cathedral) is a real treat, with Italian medieval architecture and beautifully painted walls and stonework. Although the building is almost 900 years old, most of the art comes from the Renaissance. Some of the paintings are beautifully vibrant, making it fantastic to do on a day out.

2. Visit the Palazzo Comunale, Pinacoteca and Torre Grossa

The Palazzo Comunale (or Municipal Palace) is another key feature of the Piazza del Duomo and San Gimignano’s skyline. Within this medieval palace, the revered Pinacoteca Gallery is home to a collection of masterpieces and a significant collection of Italian Renaissance artwork.

The palace is also adjacent to the stately Torre Grossa (the Great Tower), which dominates the skyline and can be viewed. With a height of over 77 meters (about 54 metres), it is the tallest tower in the city and one of the most famous medieval towers in Tuscany. When you reach the top you will have a breathtaking panorama of the city and surrounding countryside.

See related: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe that you want to visit

3. Visit the Torre Chigi

From the tallest tower to one of the shortest: the rectangular Torre Chigi can also be found in Piazza del Duomo. You can easily forgive its relative stumpiness compared to the city’s thirteen other towers, especially since it is perhaps the most beautiful of all San Gimignano’s towers.

This 13th century tower, made of different colored stones, was built as a private castle and essentially still is, as people do indeed live there. Although tours are virtually impossible, it is a beautiful photo. Okay, let’s move on to more fortifications!

4. Porta delle Fonti

History buffs, continue walking a little further off the beaten track and head towards one of the gates in San Gimignano’s city walls: the Porta delle Fonti. This relatively safe place is in good condition and an interesting example of medieval architecture.

The outside of the gate features a Sienese-style arch, typical of many city gates in Tuscany, but inside it has a larger, rounded arch. Once you leave the gate, you’ll wander down a steep hill to our next attraction.

5. Visit the Fonti Medievali: miraculous waters enveloped in the embrace of nature

History nerds will also get a kick out of this next one, the Fonti Medievali, a medieval fountain and a real hidden gem. Nestled in a blanket of green, with centuries of scars, the tranquility echoes through the weathered stone wells. This safe haven invites you for a rejuvenating break on your journey through the historical wonders of San Gimignano.

See related: Most beautiful cities in Europe to visit

6. Visit the Parco della Rocca

Next visit is Parco della Rocca, a rather unique twist on a public park as it is located on the site of a ruined medieval fortress: the Rocca of Montestaffoli. As you pass through the crumbling stone gates, each step along the cobbled paths offers stunning views of the hills of Tuscany and San Gimignano.

The remains of the once formidable fortress blend seamlessly with the natural beauty, creating a stunning scene for photographers. Whether you’re a history buff picking apart the ruins of the fortress or picnicking in the shade of the olive groves, this park is one of a kind and the perfect place to appreciate the allure of San Gimignano.

7. Visit the SanGimignano1300: an unforgettable journey through time

Historically, San Gimignano was a medieval power station; you can learn all about it in San Gimignano 1300. This beautiful medieval multimedia museum offers a window into the past and shows what life was like in San Gimignano in 1300.

It is best known for its famous ceramic miniature reconstruction of San Gimignano. I love a miniature village, and this is simply exceptional, offering a glimpse into life as a trader, merchant and noble, down to the smallest detail. This is another top stop for those interested in history and an ideal activity for the bambinos.

8. Piazza della Cisterna

Okay, we’ve gone way too long without mentioning another tower. So let’s go to the Piazza della Cisterna and see if we can get something to eat along the way. With terracotta tiles underfoot, this gently sloping square takes its name from the cistern where the locals could draw water.

It is also surrounded by five of the city’s fourteen towers and beautiful architecture from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. If you need some retail therapy, you can find a few boutiques and stalls in and around the square, not to mention places where you can grab a hot lunch, espresso or gelato. Once you’ve gotten enough fuel, it’s time to move on to the next tower!

9. Cugnanesi Tower

The Torre dei Cugnanesi on the Piazza della Cisterna is another of the tallest towers in the city. It stands in stark contrast to some of the others on this list, somewhat threatening in height and simplicity. Almost resembling a square stone chimney, this 13th-century tower is another historic part of the city’s defensive network of walls, gates and other towers.

See related: Best museums in Europe to visit

10. Torre and Casa Campatelli

Take a short walk from Torre dei Cugnanesi and you will find yourself at the Torre and Casa Campatelli. The Torre Campatelli is one of the widest towers in the city, built in the 12th century. After a recent restoration, you can actually visit this tower, but also the 18th-century family home of the enterprising Campatelli family, who gave this squat tower its current name.

This palazzo house museum houses a wealth of family legacies within its sturdy frescoed walls and presents a mix of art, culture and history, filled with beautiful 19th and 20th century art and furnishings.

11. Try World Champion Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli

In recent years, San Gimignano has gained recognition for another delicious treat: gelato. Located on the city’s main square, Gelateria Dondoli has twice been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Best Gelato in the World’, bringing culinary enthusiasts from far and wide to enjoy its creamy treats.

It’s a must visit and very reasonably priced. Get there early so you can avoid the long lines.

12. Shop for local craft products and wine

San Gimignano is known for its fine ceramics, high-quality leather goods and the precious saffron, once used as a valuable pigment in the Middle Ages before its culinary potential was discovered. Today, saffron is a prized ingredient, often loved in dishes such as risotto. Perhaps one of San Gimignano’s most notable claims to fame is its white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

This wine, made from the ancient Vernaccia grape variety, believed to be the ancestor of Pinot Gris, was the first white wine in Italy to receive the coveted DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) status. The production of Vernaccia wine is strictly limited to the hills surrounding the town, guaranteeing its authenticity and quality.

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