San Gimignano

Travel Guide

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

San Gimignano City Centre

5/5(21 area reviews)

San Gimignano City Centre is noteworthy for its historic 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
$141 nightly
The price is $161 total per night from May 27 to May 28
$161 total
May 27 - May 28
Total includes taxes and 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! (282 reviews)
"This place was perfect. Spectacular views of the tuscan hills and gorgeous sunsets. Breakfast and dinner was also delicious. Perfect location for day trips to Florence, Sienna and Pisa."

Reviewed on Nov 24, 2024

Poderi Arcangelo
Hotel Leon Bianco
Hotel Leon Bianco
3 out of 5
Piazza Della Cisterna 13, San Gimignano, SI
$118 nightly
The price is $137 total per night from May 20 to May 21
$137 total
May 20 - May 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (511 reviews)
"This hotel was excellent!! The location was right in the center of the Plaza Cisterna ( the main square). A bar is located downstairs, the bed is comfortable & the"

Reviewed on May 8, 2025

Hotel Leon Bianco
Cappuccina Country Resort
Cappuccina Country Resort
4 out of 5
Loc La Cappuccina 46/a, San Gimignano, SI
$199 nightly
The price is $226 total per night from May 27 to May 28
$226 total
May 27 - May 28
Total includes taxes and 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! (68 reviews)
"The property was quiet and conveniently close to San Gimignano."

Reviewed on Apr 24, 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 ...
Great spot
"Nice quiet spot in the woods but very close to San Gimignano. Very clean. Comfortable beds. They don’t provide towels or soaps, but that is clear up front. You can rent towels if you want and they sell soap/ shampoo in the office."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2023

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
san gimignano apartment in historical center, courtyard and fast free wifi
san gimignano apartment in historical center, courtyard and fast free wifi
San Gimignano
Stay at this apartment in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sant'Agostino Church and Archaeological ...
Charming little place!
"This place was exactly as advertised and the pictures don’t do it justice—it is so lovely and had all the necessities for a comfortable stay. Perfect central location and helpful details for parking were much appreciated. The history of the home and the graciousness of the hostess were bonuses."

Reviewed on Apr 7, 2025

san gimignano apartment in historical center, courtyard and fast free wifi
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San Gimignano

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
49
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
15
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Kerhiretarhu

Unique, beautiful, friendly,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A must see.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Larger than other hill towns in the area, San Gimignano was the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. Large enough to have easy, convenient parking options, but small enough to truly enjoy the peaceful evenings after the day trippers have moved along.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It is a must see side trip from Florence. Do nit miss it!

5/5 - Excellent

A

San Gimignano was fantastic. We were initially worried we would get bored but there is so much to explore, shop, and taste than is at the surface level. Very casual and relaxing although you have to accept it is a tourist destination with many people

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We explored Tuscany for 11 days - went to many towns and by far, this was the prettiest in our opinion.

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