San Gimignano - San Gimignano
is a charming hill town of 7000 inhabitants, which has preserved
its medieval appearance more completely than any other town
in Tuscany stands 334 mts above the sea level on the site
of a small Etruscan settlement dating from the Hellenistic
period (third to second BC). Its history begins around the
Tenth Century.
The town is famous for its numerous
towers which make it conspicuous from a great distance and
provide one of the most remarkable sights in Italy. It is
possible to walk along the 13C walls from which there are
fine views of the rich agricultural farm land which surrounds
the town
It takes its name from the canonised
Bishop of Modena who in the sixth century saved the Town from
Totila’s invading hordes.
It developed considerably during the
middle ages thanks to to the via Francigena which runs through
the town, and there was a remarkable flowering of works of
art, adorning churches, palaces and monasteries.
When in 1199 the town became a free
commune, ridding itself of the Feudal ties to the bishop of
Volterra, it began its impressive growth as an urban centre.
The terrible palgue of 1348 and a
subsequent fall in population dealt a severe blow to the trading
economy of San Gimignano. The deep crisisi led the governors
of the city to declare their submission to florence in 1353.
However, the beauty of the town and
its artistic and architectural importance, have led in recent
years to an excellent economic and cultural revival.
It can, however, be uncomfortably crowded with tourists
(mostly on day trips from Florence or Siena) in spring and
summer.
How to reach San Gimignano: From Siena take directions
Florence, and exit at Poggibonsi. In Poggibonsi you will find
the directions for San Gimignano.
Where is San Gimignano: is located in the north of
Siena province, in the border with the province of Florence
and Pisa. See the map
Nearby: Visit Colle val d' Elsa, Casole d' Elsa, the
Chianti area
Distances: Siena 36 Km - Florence 50 Km - Pisa 82
Km - Arezzo 100 Km
Correct name is San Gimignano
Common mistakes are San Giminiano, Geminiano, Gimegnano,
Gimminiano
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San Gimignano
- Siena - Tuscany Italy
San Gimignano 
