Exploring the Medieval Charm of San Gimignano with Family

San Gimignano's Hidden Gems: Art, History, and a Glass of Wine

Today was a day of wandering and wonder in San Gimignano. It’s amazing how much history and culture can be packed into a single day, especially when you’re exploring with family. From modern art to medieval towers, every corner of this Tuscan town seemed to have a story to tell.

Our day began, as any good day in Italy should, with breakfast. We headed to Olivieri Bistrot, a delightful spot I'd read about, known for its modern take on Italian cuisine. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong coffee filled the air as we stepped inside. I opted for a classic cappuccino and a flaky croissant, while Emily and Oliver chose some fruit and yogurt. Fuelled up, we were ready to explore.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Olivieri Bistrot in San Gimignano - where every meal tells a story.

First on the agenda was the Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Raffaele De Grada. Now, I'll admit, modern art isn't always my cup of tea, but I always appreciate giving it a go, especially when it's housed in such a beautiful setting. The gallery is located within the Santa Chiara Museum Complex, offering a peek into the town's archaeological history as well. The gallery itself was named after the Milanese painter Raffaele De Grada, who chose San Gimignano as his home.


Discover the vibrant world of modern and contemporary art at the Galleria d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Raffaele De Grada in San Gimignano.

Oliver, bless his heart, tried his best to appreciate the art, asking insightful questions like, “Daddy, why is that square blue?” I did my best to offer explanations, drawing parallels to Arsenal’s away kit, which, surprisingly, kept him engaged for a bit longer. Emily, ever the art enthusiast, was in her element, discussing the nuances of each piece with genuine interest. I found myself enjoying the experience more than I anticipated, particularly the temporary exhibits dedicated to 19th and 20th-century Tuscan artists. It’s always fascinating to see how artists interpret the world around them, even if I don’t always understand it.

Leaving the gallery, we made our way to Piazza Sant'Agostino. This piazza, a bit off the beaten path, offered a welcome respite from the bustling crowds. The Church of Sant'Agostino dominates the square, its Romanesque architecture a stark contrast to the modern art we had just seen. The square itself has a serene, almost contemplative atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to simply sit and soak in the surroundings. I took a moment to sketch the church in my notebook, trying to capture its timeless beauty. Oliver, of course, was more interested in chasing pigeons, but even that added to the charm of the scene.


Experience the enchanting Piazza Sant'Agostino in San Gimignano, a captivating square steeped in history and stunning medieval architecture.

Time stands still in places like this, allowing you to breathe in the history and culture that permeates every stone.

For lunch, we decided on Perucà, a restaurant that came highly recommended for its authentic Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant is tucked away from the main thoroughfare, offering a more intimate dining experience. We started with some bruschetta, topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, followed by homemade pasta with wild boar ragu – a Tuscan specialty. The flavors were incredible, each bite a testament to the region's culinary heritage. Oliver, surprisingly, devoured his pasta, declaring it even better than my homemade attempts (a compliment I’m not sure I deserved). Emily and I shared a bottle of local Vernaccia wine, its crisp, dry notes perfectly complementing the meal.


Experience authentic Tuscan flavors at Perucà in San Gimignano – where tradition meets taste in every bite.

After lunch, we strolled towards the Torri degli Ardinghelli, two medieval towers that stand proudly in Piazza della Cisterna. These towers, remnants of the city’s past, once belonged to the Ardinghelli family, prominent Ghibellines who were constantly feuding with the Guelphic Salvucci family. The towers themselves are a testament to the power and wealth of these families, symbols of a bygone era. I tried to explain the historical significance to Oliver, but his attention was quickly diverted by a street performer juggling colorful balls.


Experience the enchanting Torri degli Ardinghelli, a medieval masterpiece in the heart of San Gimignano, offering stunning views and rich history.

The Torri degli Ardinghelli, located at the intersection of Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo, showcase the architectural splendor of the 12th century. These towers, once symbols of the powerful Ardinghelli family, stand as testaments to the city's rich history and medieval past. The family's commercial ties with Lombardy and the East contributed to their wealth, which was prominently displayed through these structures. Despite a 1255 ordinance restricting tower heights, the Ardinghelli towers rivaled even the Torre Rognosa, the town hall tower, in stature.

One of the towers, closer to the loggia, stood almost fifty meters tall until 1870 when it was reduced for stability reasons, only to be raised again in the 1930s. The other tower, owned by the Pellari family, was connected to the Ardinghelli tower by a bridge, signifying the close familial ties between the two families.

As the afternoon waned, we decided to indulge in some gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, a world-renowned ice cream shop in Piazza della Cisterna. The flavors were inventive and delicious, a perfect way to cool down on a warm day. I opted for the Crema di Santa Fina, a saffron and pine nut creation that was both unique and refreshing. Oliver, predictably, chose chocolate, while Emily went for a fruity sorbet.

With our sweet cravings satisfied, we sought out Divinorum Wine Bar for a pre-dinner drink. This cozy wine bar offers stunning panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside, a perfect backdrop for a relaxing aperitivo. I ordered a glass of Vernaccia, while Emily chose a refreshing Aperol spritz. Oliver, of course, stuck to juice, but he enjoyed the view just as much as we did. The atmosphere was relaxed and convivial, the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.


Experience the finest wines and authentic Tuscan flavors at Divinorum Wine Bar in San Gimignano, where every sip tells a story.

For dinner, we had reservations at Ristorante San Martino 26, a Michelin-recommended establishment known for its modern take on Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant is located in the wine cellars of an old palazzo, creating an intimate and elegant ambiance. We opted for the tasting menu, a culinary journey through the region's flavors. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and expertly prepared. The service was impeccable, the staff attentive and knowledgeable. Even Oliver, usually a picky eater, was impressed, trying new things and expanding his palate. The experience was truly memorable, a perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience exquisite fine dining at Ristorante San Martino 26 in San Gimignano - where tradition meets innovation in every dish.

As we walked back to Palazzo al Torrione 2, our hotel, the town was bathed in the soft glow of twilight. The towers stood silhouetted against the darkening sky, a reminder of the rich history that permeates every corner of San Gimignano. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to share this experience with my family, creating memories that will last a lifetime.


Discover the charm of San Gimignano at Palazzo al Torrione 2, a budget-friendly hotel offering cozy accommodations and convenient access to local attractions.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into San Gimignano’s religious art with a visit to the Museum of Sacred Art and Casa Santa Fina. We'll also be taking in the Beautiful View, which I hear is a must-see. And, of course, we'll be sampling more of the local cuisine, with dinner at Cum Quibus - Ristorante Toscano. It’s safe to say, I'm already looking forward to it.

And, naturally, I managed to find a way to bring a bit of Highbury with me, snapping a photo of Oliver in front of the towers, sporting his Arsenal jersey. Some things are just essential, no matter where you go.

“*The beauty of travel lies not just in seeing new places, but in experiencing them with the people you love.*”

Until tomorrow, Gooners!