San Gimignano

Travel Guide

San Gimignano featuring street scenes and shopping as well as a large group of people
San Gimignano featuring street scenes, night scenes and heritage architecture
San Gimignano showing a house and a small town or village
San Gimignano
San Gimignano showing a small town or village
Take a step back in time as you explore the grandiose plazas and frescoed churches of this medieval town set above Val d’Elsa in the heart of Tuscany.

Rising out of Tuscany’s lush green countryside is the dreamlike San Gimignano. Once a stopover for pilgrims on route to Rome along the Via Francigena, today this is arguably Italy’s most beautiful medieval town. Discover fine examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture as you wander along winding alleys. Browse exhibitions of antique art and drink in the atmosphere at stately squares.

San Gimignano’s core is its enchanting and UNESCO-protected walled old town. Meandering around the brick-paved streets presents the chance to delve into the town’s 700-year-old history.

Piazza DuomoOpens in a new window, one of three interconnecting central squares, is a great place to start your tour. Marvel at the 14th-century paintings of biblical scenes that beautify the Collegiate Church of San Gimignano. Browse further collections of art at the San Gimignano Communal Palace. Enjoy sweeping views from the palace’s Torre Grossa, one of the 14 remaining of 72 towers that once punctuated the skyline.

Pass through a monumental archway to Piazza della CisternaOpens in a new window, the town’s historical gathering place for social activities. Gaze in admiration at 13th-century palaces and towers such as Torre dei Becco and Torre dei Cugnanesi. Take some time out at peaceful Piazza delle ErbeOpens in a new window.

Find more architectural wonders a short walk from the old town’s center. Among these are Chiesa di Sant’AgostinoOpens in a new window and Chiesa di San Pietro in Forliano, set around Piazza Sant’Agostino.

San Gimignano has its curiosities, too. See displays of bird taxidermy at the Ornithological Museum. Get up close with original and reconstructed torture devices at the Museum of TortureOpens in a new window. Sample locally-produced wine and learn about the town’s winemaking traditions at the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Museum.

Throughout year, fairs, farmers’ markets and festivals bring color to the town’s squares. Visit in January or February, when the flamboyant parades of the Carnival of San Gimignano take over the streets.

Situated in the Tuscan province of Siena, San Gimignano is about a 1-hour drive from the cities of FlorenceOpens in a new window and SienaOpens in a new window.

Where to stay in San Gimignano

Piazza della Cisterna showing heritage architecture, night scenes and dining out

San Gimignano City Centre

5/5(7 area reviews)

San Gimignano City Centre is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Podesta's Palace and Piazza Duomo.

San Gimignano City Centre
Hotel Leon Bianco
Hotel Leon Bianco
3 out of 5
Piazza Della Cisterna 13, San Gimignano, SI
The price is €127 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
€127
includes taxes & fees
14 Mar - 15 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (501 reviews)
Location is amazing
"Amazing location. Hotel is old so naturally has some issues but the locations and views make up for it. Overall clean and tidy rooms."

Reviewed on 14 Nov 2024

Hotel Leon Bianco
Mormoraia
Mormoraia
Agriturismo San Gimignano, San Gimignano, SI
The price is €290 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
€290
includes taxes & fees
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Book a stay at this spa farm stay in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (162 reviews)
"Absolutely gorgeous stay. Couldn't recommend it more."

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2025

Mormoraia
Hotel Sovestro
Hotel Sovestro
3 out of 5
Localita Sovestro 63, San Gimignano, SI
The price is €131 per night from 14 Mar to 15 Mar
€131
includes taxes & fees
14 Mar - 15 Mar
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (221 reviews)
Great hotel in good location
"Great hotel in good location. Lovely room, staff were great & provided good info on the area. Pool looked very inviting but was raining when we stayed. Would totally recommend."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Hotel Sovestro
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
san gimignano apartment in historical center, courtyard and fast free wifi
san gimignano apartment in historical center, courtyard and fast free wifi
San Gimignano
Stay at this apartment in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sant'Agostino Church and Archaeological ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Great place
"Amazing place with great location"

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

san gimignano apartment in historical center, courtyard and fast free wifi
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
3 out of 5
Localita' Santa Lucia 38C, San Gimignano, SI
Stay at this 3-star campground in San Gimignano. Enjoy free parking, 2 bars/lounges, and a garden. Popular attractions Sovestro in Poggio Winery and Historical ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (71 reviews)
Great spot
"Nice quiet spot in the woods but very close to San Gimignano. Very clean. Comfortable beds. They don’t provide towels or soaps, but that is clear up front. You can rent towels if you want and they sell soap/ shampoo in the office."

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2023

Camping Boschetto Di Piemma
San Gimignano villa with pool, 5 rooms en suite, A/C, wi-fi, panoramic view
San Gimignano villa with pool, 5 rooms en suite, A/C, wi-fi, panoramic view
San Gimignano
Book a stay at this family-friendly villa in San Gimignano. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Sant'Agostino Church and Archaeological ...
10/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
Italy with friends
"Alessandro was a fantastic host! He always made us feel right at home. Addressing all of our questions regarding the local area. The property was exactly what we expected. The surrounding area was magnificent."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

San Gimignano villa with pool, 5 rooms en suite, A/C, wi-fi, panoramic view
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San Gimignano

4.9
Top destination
5 - Excellent
25
5 - Excellent 93%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 7%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Hotel is in a nice quiet village called Pancole, 10 minute drive to San Gimignano with its many towers in a historic walled centre.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must do experience. One of the best fortified hill top medieval villages in europe

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Unique structure. Charming. Full of life

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wonderfully historic. Unique architecture. Opera in the cathedral a delight. Cuisine from pizzas to fine dining

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful hillside town with lots to see and do, Enoteca D’Vinorum our favourite for lunch and wine pairings. Vecchie La Mura for dinner is fantastic. Book ahead and request a table outside. The view is amazing!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The tower is a must and Il Ceppo steak restaurant to die for.