San Gimignano

Travel Guide
San Gimignano featuring street scenes, night scenes and heritage architecture
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 Duomo, 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 Cisterna, 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 Erbe.

Find more architectural wonders a short walk from the old town’s center. Among these are Chiesa di Sant’Agostino 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 Torture. 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 Florence and Siena.

Where to stay in San Gimignano

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

San Gimignano City Centre

5/5(7 area reviews)

San Gimignano City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Piazza Duomo and San Gimignano Communal Palace.

San Gimignano City Centre
Hotel Leon Bianco
Hotel Leon Bianco
3 out of 5
Piazza Della Cisterna 13, San Gimignano, SI
The price is €89 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€89
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (438 reviews)
"We were very happy to stay at this central, friendly and comfortable hotel located in an old palazzo"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Hotel Leon Bianco
Hotel Casolare Le Terre Rosse
Hotel Casolare Le Terre Rosse
3 out of 5
Loc. San Donato, San Gimignano, SI
The price is €95 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
€95
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (359 reviews)
"Staff was great, friendly and helpful. I loved the grounds and the location. Beds just need better pillows."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2023

Hotel Casolare Le Terre Rosse
Poderi Arcangelo
Poderi Arcangelo
Localita Capezzano, San Gimignano, SI
The price is €96 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€96
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this family-friendly farm stay in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (221 reviews)
"Stunning property with the most incredible breathtaking views. Note that the property is very remote therefore you will need a car to get to it and a car to get from each building on the property. It would be useful to know that dinner is only served at 8pm and there is not really any food or drinks ..."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2023

Poderi Arcangelo
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.
Fattoria il Milione Agriturismo
Fattoria il Milione Agriturismo
3 out of 5
Via Di Giogoli 12, Florence, FI
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly residence in Florence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Uffizi Gallery and Historic ...
8/10 Very Good! (105 reviews)
"Had a great time location was our base. Travel to Florence was quick. The area is a nice look into Tuscany."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2023

Fattoria il Milione Agriturismo
Villa with pool, 4 rooms en suite, Wi-Fi, walking distance from San Gimignano
Villa with pool, 4 rooms en suite, Wi-Fi, walking distance from San Gimignano
san gimignano
Stay at this villa in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Historical Torture Museum and Galleria Continua ...
10/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
Great location, great host
"The location and the villa itself made for a wonderful holiday. Alessandro is a fantastic host, very proactive and helpful. We highly recommend the villa. Its worth noting the fine print that not included in the rental price, to be paid on the spot: Final cleaning, Local tax, Heating, Air ..."

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2023

Villa with pool, 4 rooms en suite, Wi-Fi, walking distance from San Gimignano
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
Piazza San Giovanni, 13, Siena, SI
Stay at this residence in Siena. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Popular attractions Siena Baptistry and Siena Crypt are located nearby. Discover ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (105 reviews)
"10/10! This is a beautiful hotel with the friendliest staff. The rooms were great and we loved the location."

Reviewed on 6 Dec 2023

Il Battistero Siena - Residenza d'Epoca
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

Things to do

Reviews of San Gimignano

4.9
Top destination
5 - Excellent
25
" "5 - Excellent 92.5925925925926%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 7.407407407407407%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Sep 2019

Hotel is in a nice quiet village called Pancole, 10 minute drive to San Gimignano with its many towers in a historic walled centre.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Sep 2019

A must do experience. One of the best fortified hill top medieval villages in europe

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Sep 2019

Unique structure. Charming. Full of life

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Sep 2019

Wonderfully historic. Unique architecture. Opera in the cathedral a delight. Cuisine from pizzas to fine dining

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Jul 2019

A beautiful hillside town with lots to see and do, Enoteca D’Vinorum our favourite for lunch and wine pairings. Vecchie La Mura for dinner is fantastic. Book ahead and request a table outside. The view is amazing!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
11 Jun 2019

The tower is a must and Il Ceppo steak restaurant to die for.