Exploring the Medieval Charm of San Gimignano

Fountains, Piazzas, and Modern Art

Today was all about diving deeper into San Gimignano, venturing beyond the main squares, and discovering the quieter, more reflective corners of this medieval town. Lena and I set out with a sense of adventure, eager to uncover the stories hidden within its ancient walls. We were ready to embrace the unexpected, and San Gimignano certainly delivered.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ristorante La Stella. Nestled in the heart of San Gimignano, this restaurant promised an authentic Tuscan experience, and it didn't disappoint.

The aroma of freshly baked bread and strong Italian coffee filled the air as we stepped inside. The staff greeted us with warm smiles, making us feel instantly at home. I opted for a classic Italian breakfast of *cappuccino* and a *cornetto*, while Lena chose a selection of local cheeses and cured meats. The *cornetto* was light and flaky, and the *cappuccino* was rich and creamy – the perfect start to a day of exploration. Lena savored every bite of her cheese and meat, commenting on the freshness and quality of the local ingredients. Fueled up and ready to go, we set off to explore the hidden gems of San Gimignano.

Our first stop was the Porta delle Fonti. As we walked along the city walls, we were struck by the sense of history that permeated every stone. The views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside were simply breathtaking, with rolling hills and vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see. The Porta delle Fonti, one of the town's ancient gates, led us to the medieval public fountains. The fountains themselves were a marvel, dating back to the 14th century, with their ten Roman and lancet arches concealing the original Lombard stony fountain from the 9th century.

It was easy to imagine the townspeople of centuries past gathering here to collect water and exchange news. The area exuded a sense of tranquility, a peaceful oasis away from the bustling tourist crowds. Lena, ever the artist, was captivated by the play of light and shadow on the stone arches, snapping photos from every angle. I took a moment to simply soak it all in, appreciating the timeless beauty of this hidden corner of San Gimignano. According to legend, in the first half of the 6th century, the town was under threat of barbarian hordes, and the local people prayed to St. Geminiano, who miraculously appeared after his death on the Porta delle Fonti and saved the town. It's amazing how much history is packed into one small area.


Experience the charm of Porta delle Fonti, a historical gateway in San Gimignano that offers stunning views and a taste of medieval Italian heritage.

Next on our list was Piazza Sant'Agostino, a charming square located a short walk from the main tourist areas. As we entered the piazza, we were immediately struck by its peaceful atmosphere. It felt like stepping back in time, away from the crowds and into a more authentic San Gimignano. The square is dominated by the Church of Sant'Agostino, a simple yet elegant structure that dates back to the 13th century. We took some time to admire the church's facade before venturing inside. The interior was just as captivating, with its soaring arches and intricate frescoes. The most notable artwork is the cycle of frescoes depicting the life of Saint Augustine, painted by Benozzo Gozzoli in 1464.

The frescoes were incredibly detailed and vibrant, telling the story of Saint Augustine's life with remarkable clarity. I found myself particularly drawn to a fresco depicting Saint Sebastian, clothed and offering shelter to the population from the arrows of misfortune. It was a unique and powerful image, one that I won't soon forget. Lena was equally impressed by the artistry and historical significance of the frescoes. It's amazing how these paintings have survived for so many centuries, she remarked, They offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. As we left the church, we took a moment to simply sit in the piazza, soaking in the atmosphere. Children played, locals chatted, and the world seemed to slow down. It was a perfect moment of tranquility, a reminder of the simple pleasures of life. We even saw preparations for the Ferie delle Messi, a medieval festival that was due to start the same day, which made the atmosphere even more special.


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

For lunch, we headed to Le Terrazze, a restaurant recommended for its stunning views and traditional Tuscan cuisine. Situated on Piazza della Cisterna, the restaurant offered a panoramic vista of the surrounding countryside. We were lucky enough to snag a table on the terrace, where we could soak in the breathtaking scenery while we ate. I opted for a classic Tuscan starter of cold cuts, *bruschetta*, and cheeses, while Lena chose a *risotto* with fresh truffles and wild boar. The food was delicious, but the real highlight was the view. As we ate, we gazed out at the rolling hills and vineyards, feeling a sense of peace and contentment wash over us. The *risotto* was rich and flavorful, and Lena savored every bite. This is the best *risotto* I've ever had, she declared, The truffles are so fresh and aromatic. My Tuscan starter was equally impressive, with a variety of local delicacies that tantalized my taste buds. The *bruschetta* was topped with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, and the cheeses were creamy and flavorful. It was the perfect meal to enjoy while taking in the stunning views.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine with breathtaking views at Le Terrazze in San Gimignano.

After lunch, we decided to explore the Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Raffaele De Grada. Tucked away in the former monastery of Santa Chiara, the gallery offered a refreshing contrast to the medieval art and architecture we had seen earlier in the day. The gallery is named after Raffaele De Grada, a Milanese painter who chose San Gimignano as his adopted home. The permanent collection features a range of works from Tuscan artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including paintings by De Grada himself, as well as pieces by Niccolò Cannicci, Renato Guttuso, and Sergio Vacchi. As we wandered through the gallery, we were struck by the diversity of styles and techniques on display. De Grada's paintings were particularly captivating, with their vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes. Lena, with her background in graphic design, was fascinated by the use of color and composition in the various artworks. It's interesting to see how these artists interpreted the Tuscan landscape in their own unique ways, she observed. I appreciated the opportunity to see a different side of San Gimignano, one that celebrated modern and contemporary art. It was a reminder that this town is not just a relic of the past, but a living, breathing community with a vibrant cultural scene.


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

Sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found in the unexpected corners of a familiar place.

As the afternoon drew to a close, we decided to indulge in a wine tasting at Gustavo Mescita Vini Enoteca. This charming wine bar, owned by Maristella Becucci, was located on Via San Matteo, in the heart of San Gimignano. The enoteca offered a delightful selection of local wines, including the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano, as well as a variety of traditional Italian snacks. We sampled a few different wines, each one more delicious than the last. The Vernaccia was crisp and refreshing, with a subtle almond flavor that lingered on the palate. We also tried a red wine from the Chianti region, which was rich and full-bodied. As we sipped our wine, we chatted with Maristella, who shared her passion for the local wine industry. She explained the unique characteristics of the Vernaccia grape, and the history of winemaking in San Gimignano. It was a fascinating conversation, one that deepened our appreciation for the local culture. Before leaving, we purchased a bottle of Vernaccia to take back to our hotel, a souvenir of our delightful wine tasting experience.


Discover the finest local wines and authentic Italian cuisine in the charming setting of Gustavo Mescita Vini Enoteca in San Gimignano.

For dinner, we chose La Bottega - San Gimignano, a restaurant known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Nestled in a small street, the restaurant exuded a rustic charm, with its stone walls and wooden beams. The menu featured a range of traditional dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients. I opted for the *pappardelle* with wild boar sauce, while Lena chose the *ribollita*, a hearty Tuscan bread and vegetable soup. The food was delicious, the *pappardelle* perfectly cooked and the wild boar sauce rich and flavorful. Lena raved about her *ribollita*, declaring it the best she had ever tasted. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were friendly and attentive. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration, savoring the flavors of Tuscany in a cozy and intimate setting. We even found some vegan options, which was a plus.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at La Bottega in San Gimignano—where tradition meets taste in every dish.

As we walked back to Hotel Bel Soggiorno, we reflected on our day of discovery. We had ventured beyond the main tourist areas, uncovering the hidden gems of San Gimignano. From the medieval fountains to the modern art gallery, we had experienced a different side of this enchanting town. We had tasted the flavors of Tuscany, from the *cornetto* at breakfast to the *pappardelle* at dinner. And we had connected with the local culture, chatting with Maristella at the wine bar and soaking in the atmosphere of Piazza Sant'Agostino. It was a day we would never forget, a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are found in the unexpected corners of a familiar place. I'm also glad we didn't forget the sunscreen today, unlike the guidebook and umbrella! Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Beautiful View, the Museum of Sacred Art, and Parco della Rocca. I'm excited to see what other treasures San Gimignano holds!


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.