Tuscany, like a fine wine, has been some time in the making...

From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, summer vacationers the sea coast and islands. Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture.

There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, the difficulty is really where to start. Certainly most should start with Florence, then continue on to Siena and Pisa. The roll call of città di arte, cities of art, is daunting: Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all striking. The more you come to know the region, the more extraordinary Tuscany appears.

San Gimignano  (Tuscany): pop. 15,000   San Gimignano is situated in Tuscany, halfway between Siena and Florence. It is a town that   today still preserves its ancient medieval look. It had great importance and economic growth during the Middle Ages, thanks to the Via Francigena, the ancient way walked by pilgrims who went to Rome from Northern Europe. San Gimignano is known as the "Città dalle belle torri" ( The town of beautiful towers ), and appears like a delightful medieval panel painted with and architectonic scenery nowhere else to be found. In the past it had up to 72 Tower-houses, and  today 14 have survived until the present day. 
 San Gimignano contains many remains and several works of 14th and 15th century Italian art, especially of the Sienese and Florentine schools. Piazza del Duomo is the heart of the town, it hosts the Palazzo del Podestà, The Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall) and the Duomo. During the centuries Piazza del Duomo represented the central point of San Gimignano where each celebration took place and where  the municipal power seat. On the square rise two towers, Torre Grossa and Torre Rognosa. Nowadays it continues to preserve its ancient role and is one of the focal points of the town.

 Must see sights:

Duomo, Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta: Three nave aisle church dating back to the 12th Century. The rich interiors with frescoed walls by famous painters contribute to make this church a unique testimony of its ancient past. Works of art by Bartolo di Fredi, Taddeo di Bartolo, Ghirlandaio and ligneous sculptures by Jacopo della Quercia.

Town Hall: It overlooks Piazza del Duomo with its tower, called "Torre Grossa", 52 mt high, the highest tower of the town, from which it is possible to have a wonderful view. It hosts the civic museum with many works of art. Of note are the "Annunciazione" by Filippo Lippi, ( 1482) , the "Crucifix" by Marcovaldo ( 1260) , the tabernacle of Santa Fina, the patron saint of San Gimignano and "Madonna in Gloria" painted by Pinturicchio in 1512. Of particular interest is the "Sala di Dante" where visitors can admire the "Maestà" by Lippo Memmi, painted in 1317. Palazzo del Podestà  dateing back to 1239. It is characterized by a stone and brick facade and by a high tower called "La Rognosa". Inside, on the central wall, is "Madonna con Bambino" ( Our Lady with child) , a  fresco by Sodoma

Museum of Sacred Art: It lies on the left side of the Duomo of San Gimignano and houses many paintings, silverware, and holy vestments.

Archeological Museum: Many Etruscan, Roman and medieval finds are on display inside.

Spezieria di Santa Fina: Ancient books of prescriptions, as well as, ancient ceramics and glasses. It displays several rare pharmacy vases dating back to the 15th Century preserving the ancient medicinal substances utilised to make drugs.

Museum of Torture: Rich collection of more than 100 torture machines ( instruments of torture dating  from the 16th to 21st Century.

Sant' Agostino: Gothic Romanesque church built in 1280 characterized by a very nice marble altar by Benedetto da Maiano. It is one of the most beautiful Renaissance works of art. On the walls, several frescoes by Pollaiolo and Ghirlandaio. ( Madonna with child ) . The principal work is represented by the frescoes of the choir painted by Benozzo Bozzoli between 1461 and 1464 showing the life of St. Agostino.

Piazza della Cisterna: Very beautiful piazza covered in a red brick pavement in a triangular shape with a  travertine well in the center  
    

Typical products:

Vernaccia Wine di San Gimignano
Saffron : It has been cultivated in San Gimignano since the  Middle-Ages and has always great importance for the economy of the area. It is utilized for with rice dishes.

Ceramics : Along the streets of San Gimignano many shops offer their hand- made ceramics and hand painted works.

Salami: You can find in San Gimignano a wide variety of traditional salami of Tuscany. Don't miss tasting  that  of the wild-boar.

31 Jan Feast of the City Patron Saint: San Gimignano . Traditional fair.

12 Mar : Festival of Santa Fina Patron Saint of San Gimignano. Traditional fair.