Global TravelKevin LeitchAugust 05, 2019Quick Trip, 1-Day, Italy, Exploring, Culture, Cocktails and Carry Ons, Adventure, Food, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Siena, Medieval1 Comment

A Morning Visit to San Gimignano

Global TravelKevin LeitchAugust 05, 2019Quick Trip, 1-Day, Italy, Exploring, Culture, Cocktails and Carry Ons, Adventure, Food, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Siena, Medieval1 Comment

While I still cannot correctly pronounce the name, it’s one of my favorite small villages in the province of Siena. The north Tuscan town of San Gimignano can easily be enjoyed in a few hours or on a day trip! Our itinerary called for a morning exploration before visiting nearby vineyards!

It’s quite easy to get to San Gimignano as it’s a hilltop village located just 56km from Florence. As you arrive, there are ideally situated parking lots along the primary roads. Simply pop into one of these lots and enjoy the short walk into the heart of the city.

Pisa: A Tuscan Treasure ⋆ What to See and Do in Lucca Italy ⋆ Positano and The Amalfi Coast ⋆ Staying at Casa Buonocore in Positano ⋆ A Visit to Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and Naples ⋆ The Naples Pizza Battle ⋆ The Path of the Gods ⋆ Gastronomic Trekking on the Amalfi Coast ⋆ Exploring the Cinque Terre with a Local ⋆ Portofino ⋆ The Italian Riviera ⋆ Parma ⋆ Modena ⋆ Bologna

A Bit About It

San Gimignano, the Town of Fine Towers, is everything you’d want from a small Tuscan village! Most of the classic structures you’ll find here date back to the 11th to 13th century. I’m a big fan of medieval architecture, and San Gimignano is such a beautiful example from that period. Walking through the many alleys quickly transport you to a time long ago. These grounds have been used as a city since the 3rd century BC. The name was changed from Silvia to San Gimignano in 450 AD. Knowing that these grounds have evolved from these times and through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era is mind-blowing.

Gamers will recognize San Gimignano as a location featured in Assassins Creed II.

Where To Stay

Hotel Leon Bianco

A beautiful 3-star hotel in the center of San Gimignano at Piazza Della Cisterna 13. With just 26 rooms, don’t wait until the last minute. Pricing is super reasonable.

Hotel L’ Antico Pozzo

Another excellent 3-star location with absolutely beautiful rooms. It’s elegant, yet understated, and is everything I love when staying in Tuscany.

Airbnb - A Loft in the Center

Become an Airbnb Member

Perfect for a couple seeking a quick stay at a clean option for very little money! The location is ideal in the center of town and part of an old house tower.

What To Do

The city is surrounded by three walls and features 14 towers. In a village such as this, there’s no shortage of exploring!

Take a Leisurely Stroll

Our visit was a very relaxing and not-so-touristry one. Just walking the streets, window shopping, and stopping in the occasional shop was terrific. The alleys are so charming and feel somewhat like a maze with all the fun turns and new excellent areas that present themselves. It’s a small village, so take it easy!

Buy Salami

There are so many amazing meats in this region that I should write an article solely on where to stop and buy when driving through Italy. You can stop up in Como after the voyage and have the worlds most fabulous charcuterie plate. Yep, I’m going to do it.

And I digress… Wild Boar Salami! That’s what you’ll find here, and it’s absolutely incredible. Forget the salami you’ve purchased at local markets. This is fantastic and can feature so many different little twists like truffle, pine seeds, or my personal favorite, Brunello.

Climb the Torre Grossa

The tallest of the towers, Torre Grosse, is 54m high, or 177 feet. It dates back to the year 1298. Yes, over 800 years old! Just think of the battles that have taken place in that span. This lasted. I’m so glad it did. Climb to the top for beautiful views of Siena’s countryside.