Family Adventure in the Medieval Town of San Gimignano

Echoes of the Past

Today in San Gimignano felt like stepping back in time. The medieval architecture, the narrow cobblestone streets, and the stunning Tuscan landscapes created an atmosphere that was both enchanting and educational. It was a day filled with exploration, delicious food, and quality time with Aisha and Zayn, making memories that we'll cherish forever.

Our day began, as usual, with a delightful breakfast at Ristorante Bel Soggiorno. The aroma of fresh pastries and strong Italian coffee filled the air, setting the perfect tone for our adventures [i]. Zayn was particularly excited, eager to explore more of the town's famous towers. After fuelling up, we set out to explore the first attraction on our list: the Torri degli Ardinghelli.


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 stand proudly in Piazza della Cisterna, near Piazza del Duomo. These two towers are among the fourteen medieval towers that have defined San Gimignano's skyline for centuries. Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, they were owned by the Ardinghelli family, who were Ghibellines and were deeply involved in the local political conflicts. As we stood in the piazza, gazing up at the towers, I tried to imagine what life must have been like during those times of rivalries and prosperity. Zayn peppered me with questions about how old the towers were and who built them, his curiosity insatiable. Aisha pointed out the architectural differences between the two towers, noting how one retained a more severe medieval appearance while the other had been modified over time.

From there, we made our way to the Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, the second-largest church in San Gimignano. This 13th-century church is a treasure trove of art, with its simple brick exterior giving way to a rich interior filled with frescoes by renowned Tuscan artists.


Discover the captivating beauty and rich history of Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, a must-visit Catholic church in the heart of San Gimignano.

The Stories from the Life of Saint Augustine cycle is the best-preserved cycle of stories of the saint in all of Tuscan Renaissance art.

Inside, we were immediately captivated by the seventeen-panel fresco cycle on The Life of St. Augustine, painted by Benozzo Gozzoli between 1463 and 1467. The vibrant colors and intricate details brought the stories of Saint Augustine to life, and I found myself lost in the narratives depicted on the walls. Aisha, with her keen eye for art, pointed out the votive fresco of Saint Sebastian, also by Gozzoli, commissioned after the 1464 plague. Unlike traditional depictions of Saint Sebastian as a martyr, this fresco showed him protecting the people of San Gimignano, a unique and powerful image. Zayn, surprisingly, was also engaged, asking about the different scenes and characters, and Aisha did a wonderful job explaining the historical and religious context to him.

After the serene experience at the Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, we strolled towards Porta San Giovanni, the most beautiful and impressive gate of San Gimignano. Built in 1262, this gate served as the historic access point for those coming from Siena along the Via Francigena. As we approached the gate, I could almost hear the echoes of travelers from centuries past, their footsteps on the ancient road. The gate opens onto the Piazzale dei Martiri di Montemaggio, where the Convent of Saint Francis once stood. Today, only a small bell tower remains, a silent reminder of the past.


Explore the historic charm of Porta San Giovanni, the majestic gateway to San Gimignano's medieval treasures and breathtaking landscapes.

Walking through Porta San Giovanni, we entered a world of charming streets lined with shops and cafes. The atmosphere was vibrant, with tourists and locals mingling, creating a lively and welcoming ambiance. We took a leisurely stroll along Via San Giovanni, admiring the medieval towers that punctuate the skyline, giving San Gimignano its nickname, the Manhattan of the Middle Ages. Zayn was particularly fascinated by the towers, counting them as we walked, his little legs trying to keep up with our pace.

For lunch, we decided to try La Mangiatoia, a restaurant known for its authentic Tuscan cuisine. We shared a variety of dishes, including handmade pasta, wild boar ragu, and local cheeses. The flavors were rich and satisfying, and Zayn especially enjoyed the pici pasta, twirling it around his fork with gusto. Aisha and I savored a glass of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the town's famous white wine, its crisp and refreshing taste perfectly complementing our meal.


Experience authentic Tuscan flavors at La Mangiatoia, a top-rated Italian restaurant nestled in scenic San Gimignano.

After lunch, we indulged in some retail therapy at L'Emporio Di Campagna Di Sgaravatti Roberta & C. S.N.C., a charming shop that offers a variety of local products and handicrafts. Aisha was immediately drawn to the handmade jewelry and pottery, while I admired the selection of local wines and olive oils. Zayn, of course, was more interested in the sweets, and we ended up buying a bag of traditional Tuscan cookies for him to enjoy later. The shop was a treasure trove of artisanal goods, each item telling a story of Tuscan craftsmanship.


Discover unique handmade crafts and souvenirs at L'Emporio Di Campagna, a charming store in the heart of San Gimignano, Tuscany.

As the afternoon waned, we decided to relax at Bar Le Torri, located in the main square in front of the cathedral. This small bar is known for its incredible views and decent Italian drinks and food. We ordered some gelato for Zayn and Aperol spritzes for Aisha and me, and we sat back to soak in the atmosphere. The square was bustling with activity, people watching was at its finest, and the vista was simply breathtaking. Zayn, with his face covered in gelato, pointed out the various landmarks, proud of his newfound knowledge of San Gimignano.


Experience the charm of Tuscany at Bar Le Torri, a delightful bar in the heart of San Gimignano, perfect for unwinding with local drinks.

For dinner, we chose Osteria Baccano, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Tuscan dishes and warm ambiance. We started with a selection of antipasti, followed by hearty main courses of Florentine steak and truffle pasta. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxed family dinner. Zayn, tired from a day of exploring, fell asleep in my arms as we finished our meal, a testament to the day's adventures.


Experience authentic Italian flavors at Osteria Baccano in San Gimignano - where tradition meets taste in every bite.

As we walked back to Hotel Bel Soggiorno, the stars began to twinkle above us, casting a magical glow over San Gimignano. The town was quiet, the streets were empty, and the air was filled with a sense of peace and tranquility. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.


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.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Torre Rognosa, the Remains of the Church of Saint Francis, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience La Rocca. I'm particularly looking forward to the wine experience, as I've heard great things about the local Vernaccia wine. I'm also interested in seeing the Remains of the Church of Saint Francis, as I'm always fascinated by historical ruins. Zayn is excited about climbing Torre Rognosa, eager to see the town from a new perspective.

Today was a reminder of the simple joys of travel: exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and spending quality time with loved ones. San Gimignano has captured our hearts with its timeless beauty and rich history, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Looking ahead, I noticed that Degusta in Jazz will be held in San Gimignano from August 21 to 23, 2025. It could be an exciting event to combine jazz music concerts with tastings of local products. Also, Accade d'Estate a San Gimignano 2025 will take place in the summer. It seems like San Gimignano always has something to offer.