Exploring the Medieval Charm of San Gimignano

A Medieval Welcome to San Gimignano

After months of anticipation, Lena and I finally arrived in San Gimignano, ready to immerse ourselves in its rich history and captivating beauty. Leaving Heidelberg behind, even just for a week, always feels a little strange, but the allure of Tuscany and its promise of sun-drenched landscapes and culinary adventures was too strong to resist. Our first day was a whirlwind of exploring ancient squares, climbing historic towers, and indulging in the local flavors that make this region so special.

Our journey from Florence was smooth, the rental car proving to be a trusty steed as we navigated the rolling Tuscan hills. The drive itself was a treat, with vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as the eye could see. It's moments like these that remind me why I love travel blogging – sharing these experiences with you all is such a joy.

After checking into Hotel Bel Soggiorno, which, by the way, boasts an incredible view from its restaurant, we were eager to start our exploration. The hotel's pet-friendly policy was a big plus, even though we didn't bring our furry friend this time. Perhaps next time we'll bring him along for a Tuscan adventure! The location was perfect, just inside the city walls, making it easy to access all the main attractions.


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.

Our first stop was Piazza del Duomo, the heart of San Gimignano’s religious and political life during the Middle Ages. The square was bustling with activity, a mix of locals and tourists all drawn to its historic charm. The Collegiate Church, with its imposing façade, dominates the square, and we made a mental note to return later for a closer look. Apparently, the Duomo of San Gimignano has survived centuries without any restoration work, even after being bombed during World War II! The vivid frescoes from the 13th century remain as bright as ever, making this one of Europe's most treasured buildings.


Experience the enchanting Piazza del Duomo in San Gimignano, where history meets stunning architecture in the heart of Tuscany.

The beauty of San Gimignano lies not just in its towers and architecture, but in the way it transports you back in time, allowing you to experience the essence of medieval Tuscany.

Next, we ventured towards the Torre dei Cugnanesi, one of the city's tallest towers. As we approached, I couldn't help but marvel at its imposing presence. This tower, dating back to the 13th century, is closely associated with the formidable Cugnanesi Palace and once served as an integral part of the defensive system connected to the Arc of Becci. It stands as a testament to the strength and grandeur of San Gimignano’s past. The tower is located between Via San Giovanni and Via del Quercecchio, near the Arco dei Becci, and, together with the sturdy Palazzo dei Cugnanesi, formed one of San Gimignano's defensive buildings in ancient times.


Explore the breathtaking Torre dei Cugnanesi, a historical landmark in San Gimignano, and immerse yourself in Tuscany's rich medieval heritage.

Following our brief historical immersion, we decided to visit SanGimignano1300. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town as it would have appeared in the 14th century. The detailed ceramic reconstruction of the medieval city was truly impressive, showcasing the 800 buildings and 72 towers that once defined San Gimignano. It really helped to bring the history to life, and I found myself imagining what it must have been like to live here during that time. Lena was particularly fascinated by the miniature details, commenting on the accuracy and artistry of the display. The museum also explained why most of the 72 towers collapsed and discover why the Via Francigena was so important to the city's growth.


Explore the rich history and culture of San Gimignano through immersive exhibits and stunning views at SanGimignano1300, the town's premier museum.

After all that history, we needed something a little different, so we decided to visit the Museum of Torture. It was definitely a sobering experience, showcasing the darker side of medieval life. The museum displays more than a hundred instruments of torture that were used in the medieval period. It was shocking to see these torture machines, designed for no reason other than to inflict pain. Realising that some countries still use torture today is a harrowing thought. I recommend a visit, though, to see the worst excesses of mankind. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, but it served as a stark reminder of the importance of human rights and the need to combat violence in all its forms.


Discover the chilling history of punishment at the Museum of Torture in San Gimignano, a unique insight into humanity's darker past.

By this point, our stomachs were starting to rumble, so we headed back towards the hotel for a well-deserved lunch. Ristorante Bel Soggiorno, conveniently located in our hotel, offered a delightful menu of traditional Tuscan dishes. I opted for the carbonara with truffles, while Lena chose the filled pasta with pistachio. Both dishes were delicious, and the view from the restaurant overlooking the valley was simply breathtaking. The restaurant has been part of the San Gimignano scene for five generations, inspired by Tuscan tradition. We savored every bite, knowing that we were experiencing the true flavors of Tuscany.


Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine at Ristorante Bel Soggiorno in San Gimignano - where every dish tells a story.

In the afternoon, we continued our culinary exploration with a visit to a local Truffle Boutique. San Gimignano is known for its truffles, and I was eager to learn more about these culinary gems. The shop was a treasure trove of truffle-infused products, from oils and sauces to cheeses and meats. We sampled a few different items, and I was particularly impressed by the truffle-infused olive oil. We ended up buying a few souvenirs for friends and family back home, as well as a jar of truffle paste for ourselves.


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

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Divinorum Wine Bar for a pre-dinner drink. This charming wine bar offers a wide selection of local wines, as well as stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. We sipped on a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the region's signature white wine, and watched as the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors. It was the perfect way to end our first day in San Gimignano.


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

For dinner, we chose Perucà, a restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan cuisine and cozy atmosphere. We started with the truffle risotto, which was absolutely divine, creamy and rich with the unmistakable aroma of truffles. For our main courses, I had the ravioli with pecorino, pears, saffron and cream, while Lena opted for the wild boar pasta. Both dishes were cooked to perfection, and the service was impeccable. The sommelier recommended a local wine to pair with our meal, and it was a perfect complement to the flavors of the food. The restaurant is located a bit away from the main foot traffic of San Gimignano, a secret spot tucked away in this castle town.


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

As we walked back to our hotel, hand in hand, we reflected on our first day in San Gimignano. It had been a whirlwind of history, culture, and culinary delights, and we were already looking forward to what tomorrow would bring. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Torri degli Ardinghelli, Piazza della Cisterna, Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience La Rocca and Viewpoint San Gimignano. San Gimignano had already captured our hearts, and I knew that this would be a trip to remember.

Before drifting off to sleep, I made a few notes in my travel journal, capturing the highlights of the day. As I closed the journal, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that this was just the beginning of our Tuscan adventure. And I couldn't wait to share it all with you.

I also made a mental note to buy a travel guidebook tomorrow, as I realized I had forgotten to pack one. It's always helpful to have a physical guide on hand, especially when exploring a new place.

Goodnight from San Gimignano!