Discover the City: San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, north-central Italy

Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form "an unforgettable skyline". Within the walls, the well-preserved buildings include notable examples of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with outstanding examples of secular buildings as well as churches.

The Palazzo Comunale, the Collegiate Church and Church of Sant' Agostino contain frescos, including cycles dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. The "Historic Centre of San Gimignano", is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town also is known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, produced from the ancient variety of Vernaccia grape which is grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area.

While only 14 of the original tower houses have survived, San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance, embellished with several notable palaces during the 12th and 14th century. The town also has several masterpieces of Italian art dating to the 14th and 15th centuries. These are found in the cathedral as well as in other prominent religious and public buildings.

The Historic Centre of San Gimignano is a cultural site of exceptional value, since it has treasured its architectural homogeneity and its original urban layout. The buildings within the town’s double wall provide a shining example of medieval architecture with influences of Florentine, Sienese, and Pisan styles from the 12th to the 14th century.

San Gimignano’s setting on a height of land continues to dominate the surrounding countryside. It has preserved its authenticity thanks to the strict enforcement of the restoration principles. The interventions on monuments and buildings respect the main features of cultural heritage, architecture, history and art. Specifically, the historic centre has maintained intact spaces, volumes and decorations within the medieval layout, due to current regulations which strictly forbid replacements of and alterations to historic buildings. Moreover, only traditional materials and techniques are used.

Over time, modifications have been made to the use of many of the historic buildings, some of which now support the tourist industry.