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San Gimignano Day Trip: Everything you need to know

October, 01 2020 ( Updated August, 05 2024)

Italy
Tuscany
Culture
Going out
In the lush heart of Tuscany, there is an ancient town where time stands still.
 
Located halfway between Florence and Siena, San Gimignano is a perfect little piece of Medieval history surrounded by rolling carpets of greenery and an enchanting countryside calm. Its award-winning gelatos, Renaissance splendour, DOC wine, Michelin-featured restaurants and UNESCO sites make it a classic Tuscan destination in any season. Perfect for a charming day trip, or a relaxing weekend, San Gimignano can also be seamlessly added to your road trip in Tuscany going through Lucca, Chianti, Siena and other iconic destinations.  

Below we have rounded up a full San Gimignano itinerary that you can easily add to your Tuscan travels, especially if you are looking for day trips from Florence. 

Aerial view of famous medieval San Gimignano hill town with its skyline of medieval towers, including the stone Torre GrossaA lovely aerial view of San Gimignano with its skyline of medieval towers 

Why is San Gimignano famous? 

Often referred to as the Manhattan of the Middle Ages, San Gimignano comes under the UNESCO Heritage list because of its distinct tower houses built during the medieval ages in the town centre. Each of these towers belonged to a noble family of those times, who built them to showcase their wealth and power. Although there are only 14 towers left today out of the original 74, but apart from that, the village's the medieval charm, street plans and the palazzos of the noble have remained intact!
   
All this makes San Gimignano a great starting point for exploring Tuscany beyond the famous capitals and excessively touristy destinations.
 
Medieval San Gimignano hill town with skyline of medieval towers, including the stone Torre Grossa. Province of Siena, Tuscany, ItalyHave a stroll in the city centre 

How to spend a day in San Gimignano? 

Start by exploring San Gimignano’s Duomo in the UNESCO-Heritage Historic Town Center 


When you reach the town, you will be greeted pleasantly by pretty much its entire panorama and impressive towers. Start with the main square where the Duomo of San Gimignano, Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, a prime example of Sienese-Gothic architecture, is located. Despite its simple Romanesque-style appearance on the outside, one can appreciate its grandeur through its frescoed walls done by the famous artist Ghirlandaio and sculptures.

San Gimignano. Tuscany. Italy. The interior of the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta. Duomo Cathedral Admire the frescoed walls by Ghirlandaio 

Close to the Duomo is the Capella di Santa Fina. What makes this small chapel an extraordinary site to visit is its frescoed walls with the child-saint, Fina’s, intriguing life story. The frescoes, painted by Ghirlandaio, depict some of the most emotional scenes from the saint’s life in a spectacular Renaissance style and perspective. It is also believed that around the time of the Fina’s death anniversary (12 March), Viola di Santa Fina–violets that are supposedly found only in San Gimignano in all of Italy--bloom in San Gimignano’s walls even today! 

Step into history and art with Palazzo del Popolo and the Civic Museum 

Palazzo Comunale (or Palazzo del Popolo), Torre Grossa and Duomo di San Gimignano (Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta) in the Piazza del DuomoThe majestic Palazzo del Popolo 

If you are in San Gimignano, you cannot miss Palazzo del Popolo. This is where the Civic Museum of the city is located. This ancient palace is popular not only for its historical significance but also because it leads to the highest tower of the city, Torre Grossa. The Museo Civico is small yet highly impressive with works of art by Lippo Memmi and Bartolo di Fredi. The main attraction of the museum is the “Maestà”, started in 1317 by Memmi and completed 50 years later by Fredi! 
Once you have admired the frescoes of the museum, climb up Torre Grossa. If you are lucky and the sky is clear, you can admire the Apuan Alps and also, the ancient volcano Mount Amiata from here. 

Check out the most beautiful square and panoramic views in San Gimignano 

San Gimignano. Tuscany. Italy. Piazza della Cisterna at sunsetEnjoy the sunset and the aperitivo in Piazza della Cisterna 

Also, not to be missed is Piazza della Cisterna which preserves an ancient octagonal-shaped cistern that dates back to 1273 AD in the centre of its square. The square considered the most beautiful in San Gimignano, is surrounded by ancient buildings and towers. In this square today, there are shops and taverns that still breathe the ancient charm of the medieval city. 

A short walk from here will take you to the Rocca di Montestaffoli, through Piazza delle Erbe. From this fortress, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the towers of the city and the Val d’Elsa. Although not much is left of the monument, the panoramic point attracts tourists from all over the world every year who come here to admire the incredible view. 

Enjoy tasting the crisp San Gimignano Wines and delicious Tuscan Food 

A shop selling local and typical italian produce in the historic center of San Gimignano, TuscanyExplore the historic center of San Gimignano and buy some delicious souvenirs 

Inside the Rocca, there is the Wine Museum, where technology allows for an immersive experience giving a 360-degree insight into the process of production of local DOC San Gimignano Wine: Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Here, you will not only find 16 tasting labels of this wine but also a great variety of other local wines, making it the perfect venue for wine tasting in San Gimignano. 

There are plenty of wine tours, especially the ones celebrating San Gimignano’s DOC Wine. Pick from tours with a wine tasting paired with excellent lunches or enjoy day tours, most of which are from Florence, that combine visits to the town’s historic sites and end with wine tasting. Alternatively, try restaurants in San Gimignano like San Martino 26, featured in the Michelin Guide and the super cosy, Ristorante Dorando that serve up a combination of scrumptious Tuscan cuisine and San Gimignano wine.
Gelato shop window Treat yourself with a cup of delicious gelato 

Editor’s tip: Top off your meal with the multiple-award winner Gelateria Dondoli’s famous flavours, which include the local speciality flavour Saffron Cream as well as Raspberry and Rosemary. 

Make the most of the San Gimignano Events Calendar for Summer 

If you plan to visit during the summer months, then it is indeed worth staying longer since the San Gimignano Events calendar is quite vibrant. In May, the town celebrates the Regina Ribelle - Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest; in June Ferie delle Messi and in the summer months of July-August, the dazzling White Night (where the whole town is up throughout the night) and “The International Music Festival”.  

Here are some practical San Gimignano travel tips before planning your day trip or a vacation.  

What time does San Gimignano get busy?   

San Gimignano gets super busy during the day, so visiting its attractions either early in the morning or at dusk is perfect if you want to avoid the crowds. You can also spread it over two days if you want a more leisurely experience. 
Though the best time to visit San Gimignano is from late spring to early autumn, it is in the shoulder season months (March and September) that you can truly enjoy walking around its ancient ramparts and countryside without the crowds. 

What day is the market in San Gimignano?  

San Gimignano holds a Thursday weekly market, which lays out an incredible spread of all things hand-made and locally produced in Piazza Sant'Agostino. 

How long is the walk around San Gimignano? 

Aerial view of the stunning medieval town of San GimignanoAerial view of the stunning medieval town of San Gimignano 

San Gimignano is a small jewel set in the hills near the beautiful city of Siena that will allow you to savour the ancient history of the region through medieval towers, old buildings and a lot of art. It can easily be walked around in an hour if you pass up the opportunity to visit its attractions. 

How can I get to San Gimignano? 

San Gimignano is a convenient day trip from Florence and Siena. 
If you are coming from Siena, it is 45 minutes and pretty much a direct route on Raccordo Autostradale Firenze-Siena to Siena. If you are coming from Florence, then continue on Raccordo Autostradale Firenze - Siena.  Trips from Lucca and Pisa are good options too, though they are little further away, located about 90 minutes from San Gimignano.  

Editor’s tip: Parking in San Gimignano is available right outside the town entrance at P1 – Giubileo. 

How long do you need to spend in San Gimignano? 

San Gimignano is perfect for a day trip. However, if you want to extend it, then you can buy the San Gimignano pass, which is valid for all attractions for 2 consecutive days and is much cheaper than buying tickets for each attraction. Plus, during summer, it is totally worth staying longer to enjoy the vibrant events of San Gimignano. 

Accommodation in and around San Gimignano 

Just 15-30 minutes from the centre, these pool retreats (our vacation rentals, Betulla, Maramaldo and Villetta La Miniera) are perfect for those looking for a longer, relaxing getaway while staying well within budget. So, escape to the Florentine countryside, make day trips to explore Tuscany and come back and relax in your private pool. 
 
Editor’s tip: The town is also a flexible base if you want to explore Volterra and the Chianti region as both are just half an hour from here. 


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