San Gimignano
Tuscany, Italy

 

 

Why
San Gimignano
is special

Striking medieval towers jut high into the sky over the Tuscan hilltop town of San Gimignano. They have captured the imagination of travelers for centuries.

San Gimignano
tips & insights

Why the towers
were built

San Gimignano residents built them as living quarters, defensive structures, and symbols of wealth (the message was "the higher the tower, the richer our family").

Tower count

There were once 72 of these structures. Today, 14 remain. The tallest sprouts up 52 meters (172 feet).

San Gimignano is more
than its soaring pinacles

Be sure to explore the town's walls and gates - and its narrow side streets. There are also museums, including one displaying torture machines.

San Gimignano
is popular

Several million tourists visit San Gimignano each year. Nearly all come as day-trippers from May to September. They tightly blanket the streets.

How to avoid
tourist crowds

View this wonder early in the morning and late in the afternoon - or come during the cooler months.

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications