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If you have done the things to do in Italy, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in San Gimignano.
Escape to the idyllic countryside of Tuscany and take in the breathtaking medieval skyline of San Gimignano, a town frozen in time.
Step back into the past and discover the hidden treasures of this charming hill town, from the towering medieval towers to the enchanting cobblestone streets.
With its enchanting charm and rich history, San Gimignano is a must-see destination for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable getaway.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in San Gimignano:
1. Piazza del Duomo
A central square in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy, surrounded by historic buildings.
What to see or do: Admire the breathtaking views of the medieval towers from the square. Visit the 12th-century Duomo di San Gimignano and the adjacent Baptistery.
Marvel at the frescoes in the Palazzo del Popolo, a former town hall.
Don’t miss: The Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano that offers panoramic views of the town and the stunning Tuscan countryside.
Insider travel tips: Visit the Piazza del Duomo early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the crowds. Take a guided walking tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the square and its buildings.
Try the local Vernaccia wine, produced in vineyards around San Gimignano.
2. Torre Grossa
The Torre Grossa is the tallest tower in San Gimignano, Italy, standing at 54 meters tall.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and the town of San Gimignano.
Don’t miss: The frescoes and artwork that decorate the various rooms and levels of the tower.
Insider travel tips: Be prepared for a steep climb up the narrow staircase to the top, and wear comfortable shoes. It’s also recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
3. Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta is a Romanesque church located in the heart of San Gimignano, a beautiful medieval town in Tuscany, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the church, including its impressive bell tower, unique façade adorned with sculptures, and intricate interior frescoes.
The church also houses several works of art, including a beautiful wooden crucifix and an altarpiece by Benozzo Gozzoli.
Don’t miss: Be sure to climb to the top of the bell tower for breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside. Also, don’t miss the Chapel of St.
Fina, which features frescoes depicting the life of the patron saint of San Gimignano.
Insider travel tips: To avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful visit, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Also, consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the church and its art. Finally, dress appropriately as the church is a religious site and visitors are expected to dress modestly.
4. Piazza della Cisterna
Piazza della Cisterna is a picturesque square located in the heart of the medieval town of San Gimignano in Tuscany, Italy.
What to see or do: The square is surrounded by historic buildings, including the Torre del Diavolo (Devil’s Tower) and the Torre Grossa (Big Tower). Visitors can enjoy strolling through the square, admiring the architecture, and browsing the shops and cafés.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a look at the beautiful well in the center of the square. It was built in 1273 to provide water to the town’s inhabitants and is decorated with intricate sculptures and carvings.
Insider travel tips: Visit the square early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds. After exploring the square, climb up one of the towers for stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Don’t forget to try some of the delicious gelato sold in the square’s gelaterias.
5. Palazzo Comunale
Palazzo Comunale is a striking medieval palace that houses the town hall of San Gimignano, a charming hilltop town in Tuscany, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive architecture and frescoes in the palace’s numerous rooms, including the historic council chamber, the Sala di Dante, and the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in San Gimignano.
The Palazzo’s art gallery, the Pinacoteca, is also a noteworthy attraction, featuring works by notable Italian artists such as Filippino Lippi and Pinturicchio.
Don’t miss: The stunning panoramic views from the top of the Torre Grossa, which can be reached via a steep climb up 218 steps.
The tower offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Tuscan countryside, including rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves.
Insider travel tips: It’s worth joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of Palazzo Comunale and the other sights of San Gimignano.
Visitors should also be aware that the tower has a narrow entrance and spiral staircase, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
6. Museo Civico e Pinacoteca
Museo Civico e Pinacoteca is a museum and art gallery located in the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, Italy.
What to see or do: The museum features a collection of ancient artifacts, Renaissance art, and frescoes from the town’s churches and palaces.
You can also explore the art gallery that displays works of prominent Italian artists such as Filippino Lippi and Benozzo Gozzoli.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on seeing the world-famous artworks of the “Madonna di Pancole” by Lippo Memmi and the “Crucifix” by Coppo di Marcovaldo.
Insider travel tips: – Plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
7. Casa e Torre Campatelli
A historic Tuscan house and tower turned museum in San Gimignano, Italy.
What to see or do: Explore the well-preserved medieval architecture, including the tower, courtyards, and rooms with antique furnishings. Learn about the history of the Campatelli family and their life in the Middle Ages.
Admire panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the tower’s top.
Don’t miss: The extensive collection of vintage agricultural tools, including wine presses and olive oil mills. The underground cistern that collected and stored rainwater for the household.
Insider travel tips: Buy a combined ticket to access both the Casa e Torre Campatelli and the Museum of Sacred Art (Museo d’Arte Sacra) nearby.
Arrive early in the day to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs to climb.
Take note of the opening hours, as the museum is closed in the afternoon.
8. Chiesa di Sant’Agostino
Chiesa di Sant’Agostino is a 13th-century church in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful Gothic architecture of the church, including the rose window and the frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli and Sebastiano Mainardi.
Don’t miss: The Chapel of Santa Fina, which contains the tomb of the patron saint of San Gimignano. The frescoes in this chapel depict scenes from the life of Santa Fina.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the church early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
9. Museo della Tortura
Museum of Torture in San Gimignano, Tuscany.
What to see or do: The museum displays a collection of torture devices used during the medieval times. Visitors can explore the exhibits and learn about the gruesome methods of torture used in the past.
Don’t miss: The guillotine, the iron maiden, the rack, and the spiked chair are some of the most chilling devices on display.
Insider travel tips: The museum isn’t suitable for young children or those with a sensitive disposition. The entrance fee is relatively cheap, and visitors can buy souvenirs such as torture-themed jewelry.
10. Rocca di Montestaffoli
A historic fortress and tower located in the medieval town of San Gimignano, Tuscany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the grounds of the Rocca di Montestaffoli and climb the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The fortress also houses the Civic Museum, which features exhibits on the history of San Gimignano and the fortress itself.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking views from the top of the tower, with stunning vistas of the Tuscan countryside and the town of San Gimignano.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for climbing the tower’s steep stairs.
Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the views in peaceful solitude.
And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery from the top!
11. Chiesa di San Lorenzo
Chiesa di San Lorenzo is a Romanesque church located in the historic center of San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful 13th-century architecture that includes a façade made of white and green marble. The interior of the church is simple yet elegant and features several frescoes from different periods.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb the bell tower that offers a panoramic view of San Gimignano and its surroundings. The tower is also home to a collection of bells, some of which date back to the 13th century.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit in the morning or late afternoon when the light is perfect for photos. Also, check for any scheduled concerts or events as they are often held in the church.
Finally, it’s worth noting that entrance is free, but a small donation is appreciated to support the maintenance of the church.
12. Museo di Arte Sacra
The Museo di Arte Sacra is a small museum located in the heart of San Gimignano, Italy, showcasing a collection of religious artworks from the 13th to 16th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire an impressive collection of religious art including altarpieces, statues, and frescoes. Preserved in the museum are some of the most important works of religious art from the surrounding area and beyond.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the room dedicated to the famous Florentine painter, Benozzo Gozzoli, displaying an incredible fresco cycle depicting the life of Saint Augustine.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is small and can easily be explored in under an hour.
13. Palazzo dei Cortesi
Palazzo dei Cortesi is a historic palace located in the heart of San Gimignano, a medieval hill town in Tuscany, Italy.
What to see or do: The palazzo now serves as a museum and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of San Gimignano and the daily lives of its citizens.
Visitors can explore the palazzo’s many rooms, which are filled with authentic period furnishings, artwork, and artifacts.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the stunning frescoes in the Sala del Capitano and the impressive weaponry collection in the Armory Room.
The views from the top floor of the palazzo are also not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the museum.
If you’re interested in learning more about San Gimignano’s history, consider hiring a local guide or picking up a guidebook to enhance your visit.
The palazzo can be busy in the peak summer season, so consider visiting in the off-season or arriving early in the day to avoid crowds.
14. Museo del Vino
Museo del Vino is a museum dedicated to wine located in the medieval town of San Gimignano, Tuscany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the different rooms that showcase the various stages of wine production, including grape harvesting and processing, and learn about the history and culture of winemaking in Tuscany.
The museum also features an impressive collection of antique wine-making tools and equipment.
Don’t miss: The museum’s wine tasting experience, where visitors can sample some of the region’s best wines, including the famous Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the museum in the morning to avoid crowds.