Things to Do in San Gimignano Italy
- Apr 28
- 7 min read
Updated: May 3
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If you have ever wanted to immerse in the charm of a medieval castle-town, visit San Gimignano. In the hills of Tuscany, the village’s skyline includes 14 brick towers – earning it the nickname, “The Medieval Manhattan.” Our article on things to do in San Gimignano Italy will help you get to know this Tuscan gem.
Celebrated for its ancient architecture and stunning views, San Gimignano is a walking town full of twisting alleys and sunny piazzas. Fun things to do on a visit include climbing the Torre Grossa (Great Tower), seeing the duomo, enjoying award winning gelato, and sipping local wine.
WHERE IS SAN GIMIGNANO ITALY
San Gimignano is located in central Italy. It sits roughly mid-way between Florence (35 miles southwest) and Siena (25 miles northwest). In fact, a large proportion of the village’s noon-day crowds are Florence to San Gimignano day-trippers. In the heart of Tuscany’s wine country, the hilltop town is surrounded by verdant vineyards and farms.
Tuscany Food Tours
HOW TO GET TO SAN GIMIGNANO
There is no train station in San Gimignano. The closest airports are in Florence and Pisa. Most travelers will arrive in the village by car, bus, or on a guided tour.
By Car: The highway and rural roads in Tuscany are well-maintained and marked. For-fee carparks are located just outside of the San Gimignano city walls. Get your rental car here: RentalCars.com.
By Bus: There is a direct bus from Siena to San Gimignano. The bus route from Florence to San Gimignano requires at least one bus change.
By Guided Tour: Guided tours that offer transport and narration are a convenient and economical way to travel from Florence, Siena, Pisa, and other nearby cities. Look for tours here: GetYourGuide
FLORENCE TO SAN GIMIGNANO ITALY TOURS
Tours from Florence to San Gimignano are highly popular and there are many options from which to choose. Guests can plan half-day or full-day outings with various types of transport including tour buses, vans, and luxury private vehicles. Excursions are often bundled with visits to Siena, Pisa, or other locations in the Chianti wine region.
Check out these well-reviewed tours:
THINGS TO DO IN SAN GIMIGNANO ITALY
Tour the UNESCO-Designated Medieval City
It is easy to step back in time as you walk through the angled alleys and feudal squares of San Gimignano. The village’s 13th century brick architecture shimmers in shades of yellow and orange. The craggy fortress is protected by the remnants of city gates with sentry boxes, defensive city walls, and 14 fortified towers ascending upwards.
Complimenting the village’s unmistakable skyline, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of hidden courtyards, shop-lined piazzas, and amazing hilltop views. Everywhere you gaze, thick stone walls, terracotta roofs, and rounded arches give the village a medieval storybook feel.
Try one of these village tours:
See the Historic Towers of San Gimignano
San Gimignano’s cache as a tourist hub is in large part due to its impressive contingent of towers. In the Middle Ages, affluent noble families (many with their own private armies) built the towers in shows of strength and wealth. At one time, over 70 towers soared into the sky. Today, only 14 of the chimney-shaped structures remain.
Many of the towers were once family living quarters. Typically, the windowless ground floor of a tower was occupied by a workshop. Bedrooms and safe rooms were on the middle floors. Kitchens were placed on the highest floors (so occupants could flee in case of fire). Of the remaining 14 towers only one can be climbed (see “Torre Grosso” below).
Climb Torre Grosso at Palazzo Communale
Palazzo Communale (Town Hall) is one of the most important buildings in San Gimignano. Town Hall stands in the central Piazza del Duomo. It houses the Civic Museum which includes the Pinacteca (an art gallery with paintings by Lippi and Pinturicchio) and Sala di Dante (‘Dante’s Room – a council hall where Dante once spoke).
Also, at this location, find the Torre Grossa (Great Tower). This 54 meter (about 200 feet) tower is the only one in the village that can be climbed (for a fee). At the top, enjoy outstanding views of San Gimignano and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Indulge in Some Gelato
There are several excellent gelaterias in San Gimignano; some claiming to be the “best in the world.” Our recommendation is to make your way to Piazza della Cisterna to visit Gelateria Dondoli – run by master gelato maker, Sergio Dondoli. The creamery won the Gelato World Championship multiple times and is famous for creative, intensely flavored gelato.
It is sublime! Just be ready for the line at mid-day!
Hang Out in Piazza Della Cisterna
In the middle of town is a beautiful square, Piazza della Cisterna. The gathering place was originally rimmed with workshops and taverns. It is now home to many shops and restaurants. In the middle of the piazza stands an octagonal cistern (circa 1273) that is served by an old well. (Find Gelateria Dondoli here.)
San Gimignano Tours & Activities
Visit Piazza Del Duomo & Village Churches
In the Middle Ages, San Gimignano was a convenient resting stop for pilgrims making their way from Northern Italy to Rome. Perhaps that is why there are so many churches in such a small village.
In the Piazza del Duomo sits the Duomo (Basilic Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta). Consecrated in 1148, the cathedral is built around three naves and is full of remarkable frescoes. In addition to the Duomo, there are 8 other churches in town – several of which are open to the public.
Discover San Gimignano's Medieval Museums
San Gimignano has a number of small, niche museums that explore local art and life in the Middle Ages. In addition to the Civic Museum (discussed above), there is also the SanGimignano 1300 Museum (learn about the history and art of the Old City); and the Museum of Medieval Torture (view an assortment of medieval torture devices).
Enjoy a Wine Tasting
The village is associated with the production of a prestigious white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. In a region dominated by red Chianti, don’t miss sampling the crisp, savory wine with fruity notes.
Visitors can learn about production of the wine and do a tasting at the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience – La Rocca. Or, visit one of these nearby wineries: Panizzi, Fattoria Poggio Alloro, Lornano Winery, and Tenuto Le Calcinaie.
Try one of these San Gimignano tours:
Explore City Gates, Walls, & Countryside
In the 13th century, San Gimignano was enclosed by a double wall. Entrance to the city was through five main portas (gates): San Giovanni, San Matteo, San Jocopo, Quercecchio, and delle Fonte.
It is possible to walk around a (mostly) intact ‘second ring’ of city walls on a walking tour. In addition, tours of landscape around the city are hugely popular. Excursions utilizing bikes, vespas, buggies, and on-foot take travelers out into the countryside.
Try one of these San Gimignano tours:
Discover Artisanal Shops & Eateries
While in San Gimignano take time to sample some local Tuscan cuisine. Look for menus featuring regional favorites like Cinghiale (wild boar), dishes featuring locally-produced saffron, and of course, Vernaccia wine.
The town has a wide variety of shops many featuring vinegars, oils, wines, pottery, leather goods, Tuscan specialty foods, clothing, chocolate, and souvenirs.
Try one of these San Gimignano food tours:
SAN GIMIGNANO HOTELS
Most people touring the village are Florence to San Gimignano day-trippers (or from other Italian cities). However, San Gimignano really shines before and after the crush of the daily drop-ins. If you enjoy a quiet county village (population 7,500), consider staying a night or two.
In town and the surrounding countryside there are many guesthouses, B&Bs, agriturismi, and luxury estates. Try one of these well-reviewed San Gimignano hotels:
Hotel Leon Bianco: Central location in Piazza della Cisterna
Hotel Bel Soggiorno: Restaurant onsite; stunning views of Tuscan countryside
Relais Santa Chiara Hotel: Elegant hotel in hills outside of San Gimignano.
SAN GIMIGNANO ITALY MAP
WEATHER & BEST TIME TO VISIT SAN GIMIGNANO
San Gimignano has a Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers (average 80s’ F in June – August) and cool, rainy winters (average 30-50s’ F November – February).
The best time of day to visit is between 9am-11am, or after 3pm, when the shops are open, but the crush of tourists is lighter.
The best months to visit San Gimignano are May, June, September, and October. In these months the weather is warm, most businesses are open, and the crowds are below peak level.
We suggest you try the Thai Mango and Dolceamaro gelato at Dondoli’s, Laura and Randy
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