San Gimignano: The Medieval Manhattan of Tuscany

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ar-ree-veh-der-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pair fah-voh-ray/pray-go]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dee-spyah-che]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [par-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pair fah-voh-ray]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non man-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pair fah-voh-ray]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vyah]
• Call the Police!Chiamate la polizia!
  [kyah-mah-teh lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiamate un medico!
  [kyah-mah-teh oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray com-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Può abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preht-soh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-no leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [say]
• 7Sette
  [set-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal eh leen-dee-reetz-zoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Può mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoh mohs-trar-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh pair]

San Gimignano's origins trace back to the Etruscan era, but it was formally founded as a village in the 3rd century BCE. Named after the Bishop of Modena, Saint Geminianus, the town began to flourish during the Middle Ages due to its strategic location on the Via Francigena, a crucial pilgrimage route to Rome.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, San Gimignano reached the height of its prosperity. The town became a bustling center of trade and commerce, driven by the local production of saffron and Vernaccia wine. Wealthy families vied to display their status by building towering stone structures, which gave rise to the city's iconic skyline of medieval towers.

The mid-14th century brought devastation to San Gimignano with the outbreak of the Black Death. The plague decimated the population, leading to economic decline and the eventual submission of the town to Florence in 1353. This period marked the end of San Gimignano's autonomy and its transformation into a more subdued, provincial town.

Despite its decline, San Gimignano saw a cultural revival during the Renaissance. Artists like Domenico Ghirlandaio and Benozzo Gozzoli were commissioned to create works in the town's churches and public buildings. The architectural and artistic heritage from this period has been meticulously preserved, making the town a prime example of medieval and Renaissance urbanism.

In 1990, San Gimignano was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition was due to its exceptional medieval architecture, well-preserved towers, and the town's significant role in the cultural and historical landscape of Tuscany. The preservation efforts have ensured that San Gimignano remains a vivid window into Italy's past.

San Gimignano hosts several cultural festivals that celebrate its rich heritage. The Ferie delle Messi is an annual medieval festival held in June, featuring historical reenactments, parades, and traditional games. The town also celebrates the harvest with the Festa della Vendemmia, showcasing its renowned Vernaccia wine and local culinary delights.

San Gimignano is located in the Tuscany region of Italy, approximately halfway between Florence and Siena. The nearest major airports are Florence Airport (FLR) and Pisa International Airport (PSA). From Florence or Siena, you can take a regional train to Poggibonsi, the nearest train station to San Gimignano. From Poggibonsi, a local bus or taxi will take you directly to San Gimignano. Alternatively, car rental services are available at the airports and in major cities, allowing for a scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside.

Once in San Gimignano, the best way to explore the town is on foot, as the historic center is pedestrianized. For trips outside the town, taxis and local buses are available. If you plan to visit surrounding areas, renting a car offers flexibility, but be aware that parking within the town is limited and often requires a fee. There are several parking lots just outside the town walls where you can leave your car and walk into the center.

Italy uses the Euro (EUR) as its currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in San Gimignano, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, carrying some cash is advisable for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout the town for your convenience.

San Gimignano is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas and during peak tourist seasons. Always keep your belongings secure and be cautious in busy areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists in San Gimignano, but it is always good practice to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. San Gimignano has a local police station and medical facilities. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing clothing in churches. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a 'Buongiorno' (Good day) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). Personal space is valued, so a handshake is appropriate for initial meetings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and wines. Don’t rush your meals; dining is a leisurely activity in Italy. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.

To experience San Gimignano like a local, visit during the off-peak season when the town is less crowded. Explore the local markets where you can buy fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and wines. Engage with locals at cafes and try to learn a few basic Italian phrases, as this is often appreciated. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local Vernaccia wine, which is produced in the region. For a unique experience, take a leisurely stroll through the vineyards and olive groves surrounding the town.