If to date you still don't know where to stay during your next vacation in Tuscany, with this article we will explain you why San Gimignano must be your next destination!
San Gimignano is a small medieval town located in central Tuscany, among hills covered with vineyards and olive groves. Here you will find the B&B La Cornice which is located 500 meters from the historic center and which you can use as a base to visit most of Tuscany.
San Gimignano, also known as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" for its towers, is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the region and an unmissable stop for anyone who wants to discover the beauty and history of Tuscany.
The city of San Gimignano was founded in the 3rd century B.C. by the Etruscans, but its period of greatest prosperity occurred during the Middle Ages, when local merchants became rich thanks to the trade of wool and Crocus sativus, flower from which saffron is obtained.
Today the city is an enchanting collection of medieval towers, Romanesque churches and stately palaces surrounded by city walls that have withstood time and weather.
The city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990 for its historical and cultural value, which is also reflected in its gastronomy and wines. Tuscan cuisine is famous all over the world for its simplicity and authenticity, and in San Gimignano you can taste dishes such as pici al ragù, wild boar and Florentine schiacciata. In addition, the jewels in the crown of regional food and wine are Chianti and Vernaccia di San Gimignano wines, which perfectly pair with Tuscan cuisine dishes. If you want to find out more about the cuisine of our area, read our article “
What to eat in San Gimignano and surroundings”.
But San Gimignano is not only culture and gastronomy: the city is also an oasis of tranquility and relaxation, where you can take walks through the vineyards, woods and hills, or visit the many farms and wineries of the area. In addition, the city organizes a series of events each year such as the Ferie delle Messi, Nottilucente, Calici sotto le stelle , operas, ballets, drama, symphonic, instrumental and light music concerts that make the city's life even more lively and colorful at any time of the year.
San Gimignano is also an ideal destination for those seeking art and culture, thanks to the presence of numerous museums and art galleries. Among these stands the Civic Museum, located in the ancient Palazzo del Podestà, which houses works of art by Tuscan artists such as Benozzo Gozzoli and Filippino Lippi. As evidence of the artistic value and the charm of this town, in the past San Gimignano has been chosen as a location for numerous movies and TV series, including the famous "Tea with Mussolini" by Franco Zeffirelli.
Finally, you cannot talk about San Gimignano without mentioning its towers, undisputed symbol of the city. In the Middle Ages, San Gimignano had over 70 towers, built by the richest and most powerful families in the city to show their power and wealth. Today, of the 14 towers left standing, you can visit the 54-meter-high Torre Grossa and the Torre Rognosa, which houses the Museum of Weapons. Getting to the top of one of these towers is a unique experience that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and surrounding countryside.
In summary, San Gimignano is a must for anyone who wants to discover the beauty and history of Tuscany. Thanks to its culture, gastronomy, nature and art, this city meets the needs of every type of tourist, who can live an unforgettable experience, immersed in the magical and unique atmosphere of a medieval village.
If we have won you over, then you absolutely must
book a stay at
B&B La Cornice: relaxation and beauty are waiting for you in San Gimignano!