San Gimignano

Travel Guide

San Gimignano featuring street scenes and shopping as well as a large group of people
San Gimignano featuring night scenes, street scenes and heritage architecture
San Gimignano which includes a house and a small town or village
Piazza della Cisterna showing heritage elements
San Gimignano which includes a small town or village
Take a step back in time as you explore the grandiose plazas and frescoed churches of this medieval town set above Val d’Elsa in the heart of Tuscany.

Rising out of Tuscany’s lush green countryside is the dreamlike San Gimignano. Once a stopover for pilgrims on route to Rome along the Via Francigena, today this is arguably Italy’s most beautiful medieval town. Discover fine examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture as you wander along winding alleys. Browse exhibitions of antique art and drink in the atmosphere at stately squares.

San Gimignano’s core is its enchanting and UNESCO-protected walled old town. Meandering around the brick-paved streets presents the chance to delve into the town’s 700-year-old history.

Piazza DuomoOpens in a new window, one of three interconnecting central squares, is a great place to start your tour. Marvel at the 14th-century paintings of biblical scenes that beautify the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano. Browse further collections of art at the San Gimignano Communal Palace. Enjoy sweeping views from the palace’s Torre Grossa, one of the 14 remaining of 72 towers that once punctuated the skyline.

Pass through a monumental archway to Piazza della CisternaOpens in a new window, the town’s historical gathering place for social activities. Gaze in admiration at 13th-century palaces and towers such as Torre dei Becco and Torre dei Cugnanesi. Take some time out at peaceful Piazza delle ErbeOpens in a new window.

Find more architectural wonders a short walk from the old town’s center. Among these are Chiesa di Sant’AgostinoOpens in a new window and Chiesa di San Pietro in Forliano, set around Piazza Sant’Agostino.

San Gimignano has its curiosities, too. See displays of bird taxidermy at the Ornithological Museum. Get up close with original and reconstructed torture devices at the Museum of TortureOpens in a new window. Sample locally-produced wine and learn about the town’s winemaking traditions at the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Museum.

Throughout year, fairs, farmers’ markets and festivals bring color to the town’s squares. Visit in January or February, when the flamboyant parades of the Carnival of San Gimignano take over the streets.

Situated in the Tuscan province of Siena, San Gimignano is about a 1-hour drive from the cities of FlorenceOpens in a new window and SienaOpens in a new window.

Where to stay in San Gimignano

Piazza della Cisterna showing night scenes, heritage architecture and dining out

San Gimignano City Centre

5/5(21 area reviews)

San Gimignano City Centre is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Piazza Duomo and Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

San Gimignano City Centre
Mormoraia
Mormoraia
Agriturismo San Gimignano, San Gimignano, SI
The price is NT$10,186 per night from May 16 to May 17
NT$10,186
NT$11,390 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
Book a stay at this spa farm stay in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
"Paisaje y vista hermosa"

Reviewed on 2025/4/6

Mormoraia
Poderi Arcangelo
Poderi Arcangelo
Localita Capezzano, San Gimignano, SI
The price is NT$3,457 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
NT$3,457
NT$3,987 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Book a stay at this family-friendly farm stay in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (280 reviews)
"This place was perfect. Spectacular views of the tuscan hills and gorgeous sunsets. Breakfast and dinner was also delicious. Perfect location for day trips to Florence, Sienna and Pisa."

Reviewed on 2024/11/24

Poderi Arcangelo
Hotel Leon Bianco
Hotel Leon Bianco
3 out of 5
Piazza Della Cisterna 13, San Gimignano, SI
The price is NT$4,450 per night from Apr 27 to Apr 28
NT$4,450
NT$5,117 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (507 reviews)
"We stayed one night while walking the Via Francigena trail. The hotel is located in a perfect spot right in the middle of the main square in beautiful San Gimignano. You are near all.the restaurants, shops and attractions bu it was still very quiet at night. The staff were very friendly and professional. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/4/22

Hotel Leon Bianco
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
3 out of 5
Localita' Santa Lucia 38C, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this 3-star campground in San Gimignano. Enjoy free parking, 2 bars/lounges, and a garden. Popular attractions Sovestro in Poggio Winery and Historical ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (72 reviews)
Great spot
"Nice quiet spot in the woods but very close to San Gimignano. Very clean. Comfortable beds. They don’t provide towels or soaps, but that is clear up front. You can rent towels if you want and they sell soap/ shampoo in the office."

Reviewed on 2023/10/27

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
Casa Vacanze Le Case
Casa Vacanze Le Case
Localita Cellole Le Case 28, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this vacation home in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sant'Agostino Church and Fortress ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (7 reviews)
"Wonderful. Beautiful property, the views were amazing,and it was so clean. A10 out of 10."

Reviewed on 2023/10/15

Casa Vacanze Le Case
Holiday-Home with pool in San Gimignano
Holiday-Home with pool in San Gimignano
Località Pancole-San Pietro, 53037, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this apartment in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a garden. Popular attractions Sant'Agostino Church and Archaeological Museum - ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Nous avons aimé l'endroit tranquille et la vue pour profiter de la Toscane."

Reviewed on 2024/9/16

Holiday-Home with pool in San Gimignano
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of San Gimignano

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
49
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
15
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Kerhiretarhu

Unique, beautiful, friendly,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A must see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Larger than other hill towns in the area, San Gimignano was the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. Large enough to have easy, convenient parking options, but small enough to truly enjoy the peaceful evenings after the day trippers have moved along.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It is a must see side trip from Florence. Do nit miss it!

5/5 - Excellent

A

San Gimignano was fantastic. We were initially worried we would get bored but there is so much to explore, shop, and taste than is at the surface level. Very casual and relaxing although you have to accept it is a tourist destination with many people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We explored Tuscany for 11 days - went to many towns and by far, this was the prettiest in our opinion.

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