Exploring the Enchanting Towers of San Gimignano

Stepping Back in Time in San Gimignano

As I sit down to pen my thoughts on our first day in San Gimignano, I'm filled with a sense of wonder and excitement. The town has an undeniable charm, a magnetic pull that draws you into its rich history and vibrant culture. It's a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor every moment and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the heart of this medieval gem, and I couldn't have asked for a better start to our Tuscan adventure.

Our journey began with a smooth flight from Zurich to Florence. The convenience of modern travel never ceases to amaze me. It wasn't long before we were driving through the rolling hills of Tuscany with my friends, the landscape unfolding before us like a Renaissance painting. The drive itself was an experience, vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as the eye could see. I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation as we approached San Gimignano, its famed towers silhouetted against the clear blue sky.

After settling into the Hotel Leon Bianco, which is perfectly situated, our exploration commenced at the heart of San Gimignano: Piazza del Duomo.


Discover the enchanting Hotel Leon Bianco in the heart of San Gimignano, perfect for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and captivating local attractions.

The August sun was warm, casting long shadows across the ancient stones as we stepped into the square. The Collegiata, with its simple yet striking facade, immediately captured my attention. This piazza was the center of religious and political life of the town in the Middle Ages. I paused, camera in hand, trying to capture the essence of the scene – the lively chatter of tourists, the solemn grandeur of the buildings, and the palpable sense of history that permeated the air. It's a photographer's dream, and I was eager to capture every detail.

Wandering through Piazza del Duomo, it's easy to imagine the bustling medieval life that once unfolded here. The square connects to Piazza delle Erbe to the north and Piazza della Cisterna to the south. It's a crossroads of history and culture, where the past and present intertwine. The Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, which gives the square its name, dates back to the eleventh century, with its current appearance shaped in the thirteenth century. The main public buildings and the cathedral's rotation during that time highlight the town's economic and political importance. Today, the sloping square with its brick pavement adds to the charm, with the Collegiate facade on one side and the old Palazzo del Podesta on the other.

To truly understand a place, you must walk its streets, taste its food, and listen to its stories.

Next, we ventured into SanGimignano1300, a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's medieval past.


Discover the enchanting Piazza del Duomo, a medieval square in San Gimignano, where history, art, and stunning landscapes converge in Tuscany.

This wasn't just any museum; it was a meticulously crafted recreation of San Gimignano as it appeared in the year 1300. The miniature world was incredibly detailed, complete with tiny buildings and intricate street scenes. The whole city has been reconstructed as it was in the medieval times. It was like stepping back in time, gaining a tangible sense of what life must have been like centuries ago.

The museum is the vision of master artists Michelangelo and Raffaello Rubino, who, with a team of artisans and historians, recreated San Gimignano as it once existed. The exhibits illuminate the town's historical significance, from its thriving commerce to its artistic heritage. The interactive displays, scale models, and art pieces bring the history to life, making it an engaging experience for all. I learned why most of the 72 towers collapsed and discovered the importance of the Via Francigena to the city's growth.

Leaving SanGimignano1300, we sought out the Torre dei Cugnanesi, one of the town's fourteen surviving medieval towers.


Discover the rich history and culture of San Gimignano at SanGimignano1300, a captivating museum in the heart of Tuscany.

Located in a charming little square between Via San Giovanni and Via del Quercecchio, near the city walls, the Torre dei Cugnanesi is one of the oldest and tallest towers in San Gimignano. It dates back to the first half of the thirteenth century.

The tower and the Cugnanesi palace were part of the defensive system of the Arco dei Becci, one of the ancient gates of the city. The tower is the only one in San Gimignano built outside the first circle of walls. The palace is recognizable by its brick corbels on the stone facade that support the balcony. On the back of the building, there is a bastion that was part of the first circle of walls. While we couldn't climb it, admiring its sturdy structure and imagining the families who once sought refuge within its walls was enough.

For lunch, we chose Cum Quibus - Ristorante Toscano, drawn in by its promise of authentic Tuscan cuisine.


Explore the historic Torre dei Cugnanesi in San Gimignano, a majestic tower offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Tuscany's medieval past.

The restaurant has a refined ambiance and combines traditional Italian flavors. The staff was patient, and the service was fast. The decor was nice, and the atmosphere was pleasant. The food was delightful, a true celebration of local ingredients. I opted for a pasta dish with truffles, while my friends tried the wild boar ragu. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, perfectly complemented by a glass of local Vernaccia wine.

After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the atmosphere and browsing the local shops. San Gimignano is known for its saffron, golden ham, and Vernaccia wine, and I made sure to sample each of them. The town was bustling with activity, tourists and locals mingling in the narrow streets. It was a warm day in August, and I was glad I had packed sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.

As evening approached, we found ourselves at Divinorum Wine Bar, a place recommended by several locals.


Experience exquisite Italian cuisine at Cum Quibus in San Gimignano, where tradition meets innovation in every delectable dish.

What a find! The wine bar offers a light bite and a drink. It has a gorgeous panoramic view from inside the walled city. The staff was cute and the service was professional. From the terrace, we enjoyed a great view. The atmosphere was cool and relaxing. The decor was lovely.

We sipped on local wines, savoring the stunning views of the Tuscan countryside as the sun began to set. The sky was ablaze with color, painting a breathtaking backdrop to the medieval towers. It was the perfect end to a perfect day, a moment of pure bliss that I knew I would cherish for years to come.

Dinner was at La Mandragola, a restaurant known for its cozy and intimate atmosphere.


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

The restaurant feels like someone invited you into their beautiful old Italian home and said, “Relax, we've got you”. The jazz playing in the background was smooth and classy. We started with the Tuscan duck fillet pâté, followed by the tortelli filled with artichokes, fresh truffles, and Parmesan. For the main course, I had the rabbit stuffed with bacon and shallots, with a Vernaccia wine and tomato sauce. The rabbit was tender and full of flavor, and the wine sauce brought everything to life. I paired my meal with the Paretaio 2019 by Falchini, which was rich, bold, and dangerously drinkable.

As I reflect on our first day, I'm struck by the sheer beauty and history of San Gimignano. It's a town that has managed to preserve its medieval charm while embracing the modern world. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Torri degli Ardinghelli, Galleria Continua, and the Viewpoint [Galleria Continua shows contemporary art]. I also plan to visit a Truffle Boutique [I love truffles]. I can't wait to see what adventures await us as we continue our journey through this enchanting corner of Tuscany. I feel grateful for the opportunity to experience this with my friends, sharing laughter, stories, and unforgettable moments. It's trips like these that remind me why I love to travel, why I love to explore, and why I love to share these experiences with all of you.

For those planning a trip to San Gimignano in August, keep an eye out for local events and festivals. August is a vibrant time to visit, with various celebrations and activities taking place throughout the month. The weather is warm, perfect for exploring the town's outdoor attractions. Just remember to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes, as there's plenty of walking to be done. I'm looking forward to sharing more of our adventures with you as we delve deeper into the heart of Tuscany. Until then, arrivederci!

Ristorante Bel Soggiorno would have been a great place for breakfast, but we are having breakfast at the hotel. The restaurant offers not only traditional dishes but also a panoramic hall with views of the Tuscan countryside.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Mandragola in San Gimignano – where every dish tells a story.