Family Adventure in the Medieval Town of San Gimignano

San Gimignano's Timeless Charms

Today was a beautiful blend of history, culture, and the simple pleasures of Tuscan life. San Gimignano, with its iconic towers and sun-drenched piazzas, truly feels like stepping back in time. Aisha, Zayn, and I soaked in every moment, creating memories that I know we’ll cherish for years to come.

Our day began, as usual, with breakfast at Ristorante Bel Soggiorno [my stomach grumbles already at the thought of leaving their amazing food behind!] The fresh pastries and strong Italian coffee were the perfect fuel for a day of exploring. Zayn was particularly excited, having heard tales of the tall towers that dominate the San Gimignano skyline. He kept calling them ‘giant castles’ and was eager to climb to the top of one [He is such a little adventurer!].

Our first stop was the imposing Torre Rognosa. As we approached Piazza del Duomo, the tower stood tall and proud, a testament to the city's rich history. I learned that Torre Rognosa, also called Torre dell'Orologio or Torre del Podestà, is a symbol of the city power of San Gimignano's past. Built around 1200, it is the oldest tower in the city. At 52 meters, it’s the second tallest tower in the city. The views from the top were nothing short of spectacular. From our vantage point, the rolling Tuscan hills stretched out before us, dotted with vineyards and olive groves. Zayn was thrilled, pointing out landmarks and imagining what it must have been like to live in the city during the medieval times [His imagination truly runs wild!]. Aisha captured some stunning photos, the warm sunlight casting a golden glow over the landscape.


Discover Torre Rognosa, a historical landmark in San Gimignano, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Tuscany's medieval past.

After descending from the tower, we strolled through the charming streets, making our way to the Remains of the Church of Saint Francis. This site offered a different kind of beauty, a serene and contemplative space amidst the bustling town. Although only the facade remains, it provided valuable insights into the spiritual and architectural significance of this 13th-century structure.


Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of the Remains of the Church of Saint Francis in San Gimignano, a captivating glimpse into Tuscany's rich heritage.

The church, originally the Hierosolymitan Spedale dedicated to St. John, played an important role as a passage for pilgrims along the Via Francigena. In 1500 Franciscan monks moved into the church and dedicated the building to St Francis. Now, only its travertine façade in the Pisan-Luccan Romanesque style remains.

As we stood there, admiring the facade and the small courtyard, I couldn't help but reflect on the layers of history that this place held. From its early days as a hospital to its time as a Franciscan church, the site has witnessed centuries of change. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the enduring power of faith and community.

For lunch, we headed to Echoes Bruschetteria, a delightful spot known for its traditional Tuscan flavors. We shared a variety of bruschetta, each one bursting with fresh, local ingredients. Zayn, surprisingly, devoured the tomato and basil bruschetta, declaring it his favorite [He usually is so picky with his food!]. Aisha and I savored the truffle and cheese varieties, enjoying the perfect balance of flavors. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service made it a truly enjoyable meal.


Discover authentic Tuscan flavors at Echoes Bruschetteria in San Gimignano - a must-visit for food lovers seeking genuine Italian cuisine.

In the afternoon, with the sun high in the sky, we decided to indulge in a wine experience at Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience La Rocca. As someone who appreciates a good glass of wine, I was eager to learn more about the local Vernaccia. The wine, as I discovered, has earned recognition for its quality, even earning a mention in Dante's Inferno. The museum offered interactive exhibits tracing the history of the wine and the surrounding land.


Explore Tuscany’s wine heritage at the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience, where history and flavor intertwine in every sip of this iconic Italian wine.

We opted for a tasting session, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier who shared fascinating insights into the grape varietals, the winemaking process, and the unique characteristics of Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Aisha and I thoroughly enjoyed sampling the different wines, each one offering a distinct flavor profile. Zayn, of course, stuck to sparkling water, but he seemed to enjoy the atmosphere and the beautiful views from the terrace. I learned that the mineral composition gives the wine it's characteristically dry taste with crisp acidity and a slightly bitter finish.

The beauty of San Gimignano lies not only in its stunning architecture but also in its ability to transport you to another time.

Before dinner, we took some time to explore the local shops. Boldrini Dal 1889 caught my eye with its display of handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. This shop has been selling objects of art for over a century. I picked up a few small items for family and friends back home, each one a reminder of our time in San Gimignano. Aisha found a beautiful ceramic piece, a perfect addition to our collection of travel mementos.


Discover unique handcrafted gifts at Boldrini Dal 1889, a historical gem in San Gimignano, celebrating Italian craftsmanship for over a century.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Enjoy... drink food life, a local bar known for its aperitifs and stunning views. We sipped on Aperol spritzes, watching as the sun began to set over the Tuscan countryside. The sky was ablaze with color, painting a breathtaking backdrop to the medieval towers of San Gimignano. It was a magical moment, a perfect ending to a day filled with exploration and discovery. Zayn enjoyed a pizza cooked in a wood oven. According to their website, Enjoy is the place to be for an aperitivo overlooking the Tuscan countryside.


Experience the best of San Gimignano's culinary scene with delicious pizzas, barbecue specialties, and handcrafted cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.

For dinner, we chose Ristorante Fuoriluogo, a highly-rated restaurant that promised an authentic Tuscan dining experience. Tucked away from the main streets, the restaurant offered a peaceful and intimate setting. We started with a selection of local cheeses and cured meats, followed by homemade pasta dishes that were simply divine. Aisha raved about her ravioli, while I savored the flavors of my tagliolini al tartufo, one of the best that I had in Italy. Zayn, surprisingly adventurous, tried the pici all'aglione e crema di pomodoro and loved it. The service was impeccable, the staff friendly and attentive, making us feel right at home.


Experience authentic Tuscan flavors at Ristorante Fuoriluogo in San Gimignano - where tradition meets exquisite taste.

As we walked back to Hotel Bel Soggiorno, the stars twinkled above us, casting a soft glow over the ancient town. San Gimignano at night is a different kind of beautiful, quiet and serene, with the towers silhouetted against the dark sky. We reflected on the day, sharing our favorite moments and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience this incredible place together.


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 is our last day in San Gimignano, and we plan to make the most of it [I can't believe how fast this week has flown by!]. We’ll be visiting Palazzo Mari, Le Vecchie Mura, and Guardastelle, soaking in the last bits of medieval charm before we head back to Florence. I am already looking forward to breakfast at Ristorante Bel Soggiorno. I am also looking forward to lunch at La Vecchia Nicchia di Alessandro Pieragnoli Enoteca - Bruschetteria and dinner at Ristorante Dorandò.

San Gimignano has a way of captivating your heart, of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. It’s a place where history comes alive, where beauty surrounds you at every turn, and where the simple pleasures of life are celebrated. I’m so glad we chose to spend our family vacation here, creating memories that will last a lifetime.