San Gimignano

A wonderful town about an hour west of Vercenni, San Gimignano is a place that has to be seen in the morning as it is on the 'must see' list of every visitor to Tuscany. An independent republic until 1353, this conurbation during the Renaissance attracted the likes of Machiavelli and Dante, who came here to relax.

The town features many towers that loom some 50 metres high. Such towers were not peculiar to San Gimignano, as many believe, but were in fact a feature of many Italian towns, who used them not only to aid the defence of the town, but regarded them as symbols of wealth. In most cities the towers either succumbed to age or the ravages of the commune, who seeing them as the last vestiges of the nobility pulled them down. In San Gimignano however they still stand.


Eating in San Gimignano

Dorando
The chef here recreates authentic medieval Tuscan fare such as guinea fowl with black sesame seeds and coriander-flavoured crème caramel.
Vicolo del Oro 2
Tel: (+39) 0577 941862

La Terrazze
Part of the hotel La Cisterna the food is fantastic and the views are excellent.
Piazza Della Cisterna
Tel: (+39) 0577 940 328

Enoteca Gustavo
Pop in for a glass of the local chilled yellow white wine and a crostini.
Via San Matteo 29
Tel: (+39) 0577 94224