Length of Tour: 3 hours
Meet your local guide at the bus parking lot and take a 10 – 15 minute walk up to the fortified town of San Gimignano, renowned for its medieval towers and its unforgettable skyline. The historical center of San Gimignano is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the tour, you will visit:
Piazza della Cisterna and the world-famous medieval towers: the Piazza is the most beautiful square in town named after the well that stands in the center of the square.
Collegiata of Santa Maria Assunta (Our Lady of the Assumption): The main church dates back to the 12th century and contains frescos portraying scenes from the Old Testament. Radioguides are necessary for groups and we will book them for you unless the group is already equipped with them. An entrance fee is required.
Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà (also known as Palazzo del Popolo or Palazzo Comunale): The Town Hall has been the seat of civic authority since the 13th century. You can visit the Picture Gallery (Pinacoteca) that contains masterpieces by Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli, Filippino Lippi, Pier Francesco Fiorentino, and Benedetto da Maiano, to name a few. It is also possible to see the “Sala di Dante”, a large reception hall, named after the poet, Dante Alighieri, decorated with a 14th-century Maestà by Lippo Memmi, and even climb to the top of the Torre Grossa, a tower that is 54 m high, dating to 1311. An entrance fee is required.
Church of Sant’Agostino: Among the notable works of art in its interior, there are 15th century frescos by Benozzo Gozzoli representing Episodes from the Life of Saint Agostino.
Church of San Francesco: the remains of the Franciscan church date to the 13th century. The monastery would provide accommodation and food for the many pilgrims travelling along the Via Francigena during the Middle Ages.
Fortezza: The fortress was built by the Florentines in the 14th century. Today only one of the ancient turrets, Rocca of Montestaffoli, is open to visitors, offering a breathtaking panorama of the wondrous towers of San Gimignano and stunning Tuscan countryside.
Please note: entrance fees are extra.