San Gimignano

Travel Guide

San Gimignano showing street scenes and shopping as well as a large group of people
San Gimignano showing night scenes, heritage architecture and street scenes
San Gimignano which includes a house and a small town or village
San Gimignano
San Gimignano showing 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 heritage architecture, night scenes and dining out

San Gimignano City Centre

5/5(7 area reviews)

San Gimignano City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Duomo.

San Gimignano City Centre
Poderi Arcangelo
Poderi Arcangelo
Localita Capezzano, San Gimignano, SI
The price is S$195 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$195
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (293 reviews)
"Our stay was absolutely wonderful, the dinner was phenomenal. We loved everything about the property. The views were beautiful and very peaceful. Will stay here again!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Poderi Arcangelo
Villasanpaolo
Villasanpaolo
4 out of 5
Strada Provinciale Per Certaldo, San Gimignano, SI
The price is S$279 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
S$279
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Sant'Agostino Church and Archaeological ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (213 reviews)
"Very nice hotel. Hope to stay there again."

Reviewed on 13 Jun, 2025

Villasanpaolo
Cappuccina Country Resort
Cappuccina Country Resort
4 out of 5
Loc La Cappuccina 46/a, San Gimignano, SI
The price is S$305 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
S$305
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (70 reviews)
"Really nice, quiet place to stay with an incredible view and convenient to San Gimignano. The staff and service was top notch with very friendly poolside service and at the restaurant. The room accommodations and beds are very comfortable, but the AC had trouble keeping up with the 90 degree days…especially ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 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! (78 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 24 Jun, 2025

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
Holiday-Home with pool in San Gimignano
Holiday-Home with pool in San Gimignano
Località Pancole-San Pietro, 53037, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this apartment in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a garden. Popular attractions Sant'Agostino Church and Archaeological Museum - ...
"Nous avons aimé l'endroit tranquille et la vue pour profiter de la Toscane."

Reviewed on 16 Sep, 2024

Holiday-Home with pool in San Gimignano
IL VECCHIO CONVENTO
IL VECCHIO CONVENTO
Via XX Settembre 23, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this apartment in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and tour/ticket assistance. Popular attractions Archaeological Museum - Spezieria ...
IL VECCHIO CONVENTO
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San Gimignano

4.9
Top destination
5 - Excellent
25
5 - Excellent 93%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 7%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hotel is in a nice quiet village called Pancole, 10 minute drive to San Gimignano with its many towers in a historic walled centre.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must do experience. One of the best fortified hill top medieval villages in europe

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Unique structure. Charming. Full of life

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderfully historic. Unique architecture. Opera in the cathedral a delight. Cuisine from pizzas to fine dining

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful hillside town with lots to see and do, Enoteca D’Vinorum our favourite for lunch and wine pairings. Vecchie La Mura for dinner is fantastic. Book ahead and request a table outside. The view is amazing!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The tower is a must and Il Ceppo steak restaurant to die for.