A Family Adventure in San Gimignano's Timeless Charm

A Warm Tuscan Welcome

After a smooth flight from Zurich to Florence and a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside, we finally arrived in San Gimignano. The rolling hills, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, were exactly as I had imagined. Ana, Luka, and I were all eager to dive into the heart of this medieval town, and our first day certainly didn't disappoint.

Our home for the next week, Hotel Bel Soggiorno, was perfectly situated to explore the town. After settling in, we started our adventure at the Piazza del Duomo, the town's central square. The warm May sun added to the charm as we admired the medieval architecture surrounding us.


Discover the charm of San Gimignano at Hotel Bel Soggiorno, a cozy 3-star haven with modern amenities, perfect for exploring the city's historical beauty.

Piazza del Duomo: A Step Back in Time

The Piazza del Duomo was the perfect starting point for our exploration of San Gimignano. As we stepped onto the brick-paved square, I felt like we were transported back to the Middle Ages. The square is surrounded by stunning medieval buildings, each with its own unique story to tell. The Collegiata, also known as the Duomo, dominates the square with its impressive façade. Ana, with her architect's eye, was immediately captivated by the intricate details of the buildings, while Luka was fascinated by the towering structures.

I learned that the Piazza del Duomo has been the heart of San Gimignano’s religious and political life since the 11th century. Originally, it stood at the intersection of the Via Francigena and the road connecting Pisa and Siena, making it a bustling hub for pilgrims and traders. The square's layout, with its sloping brick pavement, has remained largely unchanged since the 13th century.

We admired the Palazzo Comunale, also known as the Town Hall, which stands proudly next to the Duomo. Its imposing Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano, beckoned us to climb to the top for panoramic views, but we decided to save that adventure for another day. The twin Salvucci towers on the north side of the square added to the dramatic skyline, reminding us of the power and wealth of the families who once controlled the town.

San Gimignano, with its towers reaching for the sky, is a testament to human ambition and the enduring beauty of the past.

Luka was particularly intrigued by the stories of the towers, learning that they were built by wealthy families as symbols of their status and power. He peppered me with questions about how they were built and what life was like inside them. I tried my best to answer, drawing on my memories of history books and documentaries.

SanGimignano1300: A Miniature Marvel

Next on our list was SanGimignano1300, a museum showcasing a detailed ceramic reconstruction of the town as it looked in the 14th century. This was a fantastic experience, especially for Luka. The miniature city, complete with its 72 towers, gave us a unique perspective on the town's history and architecture.


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

The attention to detail was remarkable. Each building, each street, and each tiny figure was crafted with incredible precision. Luka was especially fascinated by the miniature towers and the tiny figures going about their daily lives. It really brought the history of San Gimignano to life for him.

I learned that the museum was created by two brothers, Michelangelo and Raffaello Urbino, who are local artists. Their passion for the town's history and their artistic talent truly shone through in this remarkable exhibit. It was opened in 2010, and includes a guided tour explaining the design and implementation of the faithful reproduction of the village in 1300, with 800 buildings and 72 towers.

We spent a good hour exploring the miniature city, pointing out the landmarks we had already seen and imagining what life must have been like in San Gimignano during its heyday. It was a fun and educational experience for all of us, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting San Gimignano.

Exploring the Mura della Città

After immersing ourselves in the miniature world of SanGimignano1300, we decided to explore the real thing by walking along the Mura della Città, the town walls. These ancient walls have protected San Gimignano for centuries, and walking along them offered a unique perspective on the town and the surrounding countryside.


Discover the enchanting Mura della città in San Gimignano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history meets breathtaking views.

The first walls were built in 998 to protect the village from attacks, stretching 1108 meters from Montestaffoli to near the church of San Bartolo. In the 12th century, as trade flourished, the walls were expanded to include the growing suburbs of San Matteo and San Giovanni. However, in 1255, Florentine Guelphs conquered San Gimignano and ordered the destruction of the walls, which were rebuilt in 1261 after the town regained its independence.

We entered through the Porta San Giovanni, one of the main gates in the walls. As we walked along the ramparts, we marveled at the views of the Tuscan landscape stretching out before us. The rolling hills, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, were a sight to behold.

Luka enjoyed running along the walls, pretending to be a medieval soldier defending the town from invaders. Ana and I took our time, soaking in the atmosphere and imagining what life must have been like for those who lived within these walls centuries ago.

A Truffle-Scented Interlude

Before lunch, we made a quick stop at the Truffle Boutique. I had read about it and knew Ana would love to get some truffle-infused oils. Located in Piazza della Cisterna, Villa Magna farm offers visitors the opportunity to buy fresh truffles and the full range of truffle products in its official sales point. We ended up buying some truffle oil and a small jar of truffle paste. I am looking forward to experimenting with them when we get back home.


Discover the essence of Tuscan cuisine at Truffle Boutique in San Gimignano, where exquisite truffle products await every food lover.

A Tuscan Culinary Journey

For lunch, we had reservations at Cum Quibus - Ristorante Toscano, a restaurant known for its innovative Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant is located in a charming street, Via San Martino.


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

The restaurant's interior was cozy and inviting. We were seated at a table with a view of the street, allowing us to watch the world go by as we enjoyed our meal. The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome.

We started with a selection of Tuscan appetizers, including crostini with various toppings and a platter of local cheeses and cured meats. For our main courses, Ana and I both opted for pasta dishes, while Luka chose a simple but delicious tomato sauce. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

After lunch, we strolled back to our hotel, stopping to admire the shops and soak in the atmosphere of the town. We found a small gelateria and treated ourselves to some delicious gelato. Luka, of course, chose chocolate, while Ana and I tried some of the local flavors.

Dinner at Le Vecchie Mura

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Le Vecchie Mura for dinner. This restaurant is known for its stunning views of the Tuscan countryside, and it certainly didn't disappoint. We were seated on the terrace, overlooking the rolling hills and vineyards.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine in San Gimignano's enchanting atmosphere at Le Vecchie Mura.

The menu featured traditional Tuscan dishes, and we all found something to our liking. I started with the ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable soup that was perfect for a cool evening. Ana chose the pici pasta with wild boar ragu, while Luka opted for the grilled chicken.

As we ate, we watched the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. It was a magical moment, and I felt grateful to be sharing it with my family. The food was delicious, the view was breathtaking, and the company was perfect.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Viewpoint, Torri degli Ardinghelli, and Porta delle Fonti. We'll also try out a new breakfast spot, Bar La Cisterna, and enjoy lunch at La Mandragola. In the evening, we're planning a visit to Divinorum Wine Bar. It’s safe to say that we are all looking forward to another day of Tuscan adventure!

It was the perfect end to our first day in San Gimignano, a day filled with history, art, and delicious food. As we walked back to our hotel, I couldn't help but smile. This trip was already shaping up to be something special.