San Gimignano
Rising proudly from the rolling hills of Tuscany, San Gimignano enchants visitors with its soaring medieval towers, cobbled streets, and unforgettable views. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true jewel of the region, where history, architecture, and tradition blend in a setting of timeless beauty.
Highlights Include
The Skyline of Towers
Often called the “Medieval Manhattan”, San Gimignano once boasted over 70 towers—symbols of wealth and power. Today, 13 still stand, creating one of the most dramatic and unique skylines in Italy. As we walk through the town, you’ll hear stories of rivalry, trade, and daily life in the Middle Ages.
Piazza del Duomo
Those who arrive in San Gimignano after passing through Florence, Pisa or Siena are certainly less impressed by the exterior appearance of the Cathedral. The simplicity of the 12th century Romanesque façade, in fact, does not anticipate the wonders of the interior.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta preserves some masterpieces on its walls. On the upper part of the counter-façade there is the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian by Benozzo Gozzoli while in the central part the extraordinary Last Judgement by Taddeo di Bartolo. But one of the most famous is the chapel of Santa Fina with its marvelous life story rappresented by Ghirlandaio - one of the most outstanding masters of Renaissance and the teacher of Michelangelo.
If the Duomo is the religious symbol of San Gimignano, the Palazzo del Popolo is its civic counterpart. Together, just a few meters from each other, they form the extraordinary architectural ensemble of Piazza del Duomo.
The palace now houses the Civic Museum of San Gimignano and Torre Grossa, the tallest tower open to the public, offering panoramic views.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta preserves some masterpieces on its walls. On the upper part of the counter-façade there is the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian by Benozzo Gozzoli while in the central part the extraordinary Last Judgement by Taddeo di Bartolo. But one of the most famous is the chapel of Santa Fina with its marvelous life story rappresented by Ghirlandaio - one of the most outstanding masters of Renaissance and the teacher of Michelangelo.
If the Duomo is the religious symbol of San Gimignano, the Palazzo del Popolo is its civic counterpart. Together, just a few meters from each other, they form the extraordinary architectural ensemble of Piazza del Duomo.
The palace now houses the Civic Museum of San Gimignano and Torre Grossa, the tallest tower open to the public, offering panoramic views.
Piazza della Cisterna
Extraordinarily scenic, Piazza della Cisterna is an obligatory point of passage for every visit to San Gimignano. It is located at the top of the hill on which the Tuscan town is built.
It takes its name from the octagonal well in the center, and was built by order of the Podestà Guccio dei Malavolti, whose coat of arms (a ladder) is carved on the stone of the well.
Harmonious and intimate, it is certainly the most beautiful square in San Gimignano and one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. If Piazza del Duomo is the political and religious center, Piazza della Cisterna has always been the "commercial" square because the shops were located here and the market and the rides were held.
For a break in the square, don't miss an ice cream from Gelateria Dondoli, known and awarded throughout the world.
It takes its name from the octagonal well in the center, and was built by order of the Podestà Guccio dei Malavolti, whose coat of arms (a ladder) is carved on the stone of the well.
Harmonious and intimate, it is certainly the most beautiful square in San Gimignano and one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. If Piazza del Duomo is the political and religious center, Piazza della Cisterna has always been the "commercial" square because the shops were located here and the market and the rides were held.
For a break in the square, don't miss an ice cream from Gelateria Dondoli, known and awarded throughout the world.
The Skyline of Towers
Often called the “Medieval Manhattan”, San Gimignano once boasted over 70 towers—symbols of wealth and power. Today, 13 still stand, creating one of the most dramatic and unique skylines in Italy. As we walk through the town, you’ll hear stories of rivalry, trade, and daily life in the Middle Ages.
Piazza del Duomo
Those who arrive in San Gimignano after passing through Florence, Pisa or Siena are certainly less impressed by the exterior appearance of the Cathedral. The simplicity of the 12th century Romanesque façade, in fact, does not anticipate the wonders of the interior.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta preserves some masterpieces on its walls. On the upper part of the counter-façade there is the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian by Benozzo Gozzoli while in the central part the extraordinary Last Judgement by Taddeo di Bartolo. But one of the most famous is the chapel of Santa Fina with its marvelous life story rappresented by Ghirlandaio - one of the most outstanding masters of Renaissance and the teacher of Michelangelo.
If the Duomo is the religious symbol of San Gimignano, the Palazzo del Popolo is its civic counterpart. Together, just a few meters from each other, they form the extraordinary architectural ensemble of Piazza del Duomo.
The palace now houses the Civic Museum of San Gimignano and Torre Grossa, the tallest tower open to the public, offering panoramic views.
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta preserves some masterpieces on its walls. On the upper part of the counter-façade there is the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian by Benozzo Gozzoli while in the central part the extraordinary Last Judgement by Taddeo di Bartolo. But one of the most famous is the chapel of Santa Fina with its marvelous life story rappresented by Ghirlandaio - one of the most outstanding masters of Renaissance and the teacher of Michelangelo.
If the Duomo is the religious symbol of San Gimignano, the Palazzo del Popolo is its civic counterpart. Together, just a few meters from each other, they form the extraordinary architectural ensemble of Piazza del Duomo.
The palace now houses the Civic Museum of San Gimignano and Torre Grossa, the tallest tower open to the public, offering panoramic views.
Piazza della Cisterna
Extraordinarily scenic, Piazza della Cisterna is an obligatory point of passage for every visit to San Gimignano. It is located at the top of the hill on which the Tuscan town is built.
It takes its name from the octagonal well in the center, and was built by order of the Podestà Guccio dei Malavolti, whose coat of arms (a ladder) is carved on the stone of the well.
Harmonious and intimate, it is certainly the most beautiful square in San Gimignano and one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. If Piazza del Duomo is the political and religious center, Piazza della Cisterna has always been the "commercial" square because the shops were located here and the market and the rides were held.
For a break in the square, don't miss an ice cream from Gelateria Dondoli, known and awarded throughout the world.
It takes its name from the octagonal well in the center, and was built by order of the Podestà Guccio dei Malavolti, whose coat of arms (a ladder) is carved on the stone of the well.
Harmonious and intimate, it is certainly the most beautiful square in San Gimignano and one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. If Piazza del Duomo is the political and religious center, Piazza della Cisterna has always been the "commercial" square because the shops were located here and the market and the rides were held.
For a break in the square, don't miss an ice cream from Gelateria Dondoli, known and awarded throughout the world.
The Cathedral of San Martino
We visit the Duomo of San Martino, home to sacred art treasures and the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix said to have miraculous origins. The cathedral also houses a beautiful sarcophagus sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia.
The Towers of Lucca
Scattered throughout the city, Lucca’s medieval towers are a reminder of its prosperous merchant past. The most famous, Torre Guinigi, is crowned with a small oak garden at the top—an iconic symbol of the city and a must-see for those who want to enjoy one of the best views over the rooftops and distant hills.
Nearby, the Torre delle Ore, the city’s tallest tower, still houses its original mechanical clock. If you’re up for a climb, both offer a stunning perspective of Lucca’s skyline
Nearby, the Torre delle Ore, the city’s tallest tower, still houses its original mechanical clock. If you’re up for a climb, both offer a stunning perspective of Lucca’s skyline
This tour will take you through the life and legacy of the Renaissance genius, exploring the landscapes that inspired his work.
Aurum Circle Request Form: San Gimignano
