San Gimignano

Travel Guide

San Gimignano featuring street scenes and shopping as well as a large group of people
San Gimignano featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and night scenes
San Gimignano featuring a house and a small town or village
San Gimignano
San Gimignano featuring a small town or village

Take a step back in time as you explore the grandiose plazas and frescoed churches of this medieval town set above Val d’Elsa in the heart of Tuscany.

Rising out of Tuscany’s lush green countryside is the dreamlike San Gimignano. Once a stopover for pilgrims on route to Rome along the Via Francigena, today this is arguably Italy’s most beautiful medieval town. Discover fine examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture as you wander along winding alleys. Browse exhibitions of antique art and drink in the atmosphere at stately squares.

San Gimignano’s core is its enchanting and UNESCO-protected walled old town. Meandering around the brick-paved streets presents the chance to delve into the town’s 700-year-old history.

Piazza DuomoOpens in a new window, one of three interconnecting central squares, is a great place to start your tour. Marvel at the 14th-century paintings of biblical scenes that beautify the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano. Browse further collections of art at the San Gimignano Communal Palace. Enjoy sweeping views from the palace’s Torre Grossa, one of the 14 remaining of 72 towers that once punctuated the skyline.

Pass through a monumental archway to Piazza della CisternaOpens in a new window, the town’s historical gathering place for social activities. Gaze in admiration at 13th-century palaces and towers such as Torre dei Becco and Torre dei Cugnanesi. Take some time out at peaceful Piazza delle ErbeOpens in a new window.

Find more architectural wonders a short walk from the old town’s center. Among these are Chiesa di Sant’AgostinoOpens in a new window and Chiesa di San Pietro in Forliano, set around Piazza Sant’Agostino.

San Gimignano has its curiosities, too. See displays of bird taxidermy at the Ornithological Museum. Get up close with original and reconstructed torture devices at the Museum of TortureOpens in a new window. Sample locally-produced wine and learn about the town’s winemaking traditions at the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Museum.

Throughout year, fairs, farmers’ markets and festivals bring color to the town’s squares. Visit in January or February, when the flamboyant parades of the Carnival of San Gimignano take over the streets.

Situated in the Tuscan province of Siena, San Gimignano is about a 1-hour drive from the cities of FlorenceOpens in a new window and SienaOpens in a new window.

Where to stay in San Gimignano

Piazza della Cisterna showing dining out, heritage architecture and cafe lifestyle

San Gimignano City Centre

San Gimignano City Centre is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Piazza Duomo and San Gimignano Communal Palace.

San Gimignano City Centre
RELAIS SANTA CHIARA - TUSCANY CHARME

RELAIS SANTA CHIARA - TUSCANY CHARME

4 out of 5
Via Giacomo Matteotti, 15, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Historical Torture Museum and Museum San ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (383 reviews)
"We loved our stay. The hotel had really nice breakfasts included and the pool was fantastic after a hot day walking around the old city. We had a standard room and we were expecting it to be small. It was very small - it was difficult to find space for our cases and the shower was so small that it ..."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

RELAIS SANTA CHIARA - TUSCANY CHARME
Poderi Arcangelo

Poderi Arcangelo

Localita Capezzano, San Gimignano, SI
Book a stay at this family-friendly farm stay in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (305 reviews)
Beautiful - But need a car
"Our stay at Poderi Arcangelo in the rolling hills of San Gimignano was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the views were the kind that stop you in your tracks – especially at sunset when the Tuscan hills glow gold. The food was exceptional every day, with authentic ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Poderi Arcangelo
Cappuccina Country Resort

Cappuccina Country Resort

4 out of 5
Loc La Cappuccina 46/a, San Gimignano, SI
The price is P12,297 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P12,297
P13,991 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (80 reviews)
"The property is at an amazing location with great views of the Tuscan landscape but requires a car as you are a bit far from the city centre. Pool area is big but not enough seats or umbrellas. Dining options were limited and breakfast ok, nothing special. Counter staff not overly excited to welcome ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Cappuccina Country Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma

3 out of 5
Localita' Santa Lucia 38C, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this 3-star campground in San Gimignano. Enjoy free parking, 2 bars/lounges, and a garden. Popular attractions Sovestro in Poggio Winery and Historical ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (82 reviews)
"The mobile homes were a great alternative when Via Francigena hostels were full. Friendly people, swimming pool was wonderful , and an easy walk back and forth to San Gimignano."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
La Casa di Ines

La Casa di Ines

Via delle Romite 2, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this aparthotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Archaeological Museum - Spezieria Santa Fina - Raffaele De Grada ...
La Casa di Ines
Casa Vacanze Le Case

Casa Vacanze Le Case

Localita Cellole Le Case 28, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this vacation home in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sant'Agostino Church and Fortress ...
"Wonderful. Beautiful property, the views were amazing,and it was so clean. A10 out of 10."

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023

Casa Vacanze Le Case
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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