| San Gimignano |
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San Gimignano Off the beaten track, yet in the heart of Tuscany, San Gimignano is a city plucked straight out of a medieval fairy tale full of spires that shoot up majestically into the creamy blue Tuscan sky – indeed, there are so many of them that the city, despite its old, old past, bears a strange resemblance to a modern day metropolis, or financial district of any major city.
This in no way means that the Italian charm of this old fortress city is diminished. To the contrary, it is an incredibly rich, ornate spectacle which will begin working its magic on you from the minute you arrive. The three A’s of Sang Gimignano - Art, Architecture and Attractions will utterly fascinate you.
Starting with art, the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum displays the ingenious machinations of the master, and the Medieval Torture and Criminology Museum gives a bizarre look at some of the stranger artifacts locals have left behind. But I digress; you were seeking art! Therefore, you will be sure to enjoy the Civic Museum, located at the large tower, is a great place to find exhibitions of art from local artists, and a look into the fascinating architectural history.
Speaking of architecture in San Gimignano, the Gate of San Giovanni is an impressive fortress-like piece of work winged by some of the city’s most beautiful mansions. You’ll be able to view both the gate and these mansions as you enter the city here, and stroll down the picturesque cobblestone street of San Giovanni. Here is where you can go shopping for souvenirs and knick-knacks that will bring back romantic memories of San Gimignano for a lifetime.
Attractions in San Gimignano include the Piazza del Duomo, a beautiful square at the center of town with some of the best views of two of the city’s famous towers, as well as Piazza della Cisterna, which combines an amazing sense of spaciousness with the business of local vendors, other tourists and the visible pulse of daily life for local Italians.
Finding a place to stay in San Gimignano is easy, as this town’s economy is propped up largely on tourism (not surprising for such a beautiful destination). The peak months do pack it in, so be sure to book your hotel or rental apartment reservations in San Gimignano well in advance.
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