If you’re touring through Tuscany, it’s likely that you’re doing so because you’re interested in either Italian food and wine or Italian history. You can enjoy a fantastic example of both in the UNESCO World Architectural Heritage listed medieval village of San Gimignano.

There are several walled cities remaining in Tuscany, but San Gimignano is one of the largest and best preserved. The hiltop has been settled since Etruscan times (around 250BC), and the township itself dates back to at least the tenth century. For much of that early history it was independent, but when the population was severely weakened by the black plague in 1353, the village came under the yoke of Florence.

San Gimignano

Named after St Gimignano, who is said to have saved the village from the invading barbarian hordes, San Gimignano is known today for its very tall and very distinctive watchtowers, which dominate the village, and the well preserved medieval buildings within the massive fortified walls.

The towers, while able to be used as watchtowers, were actually a means by which the richest of the town’s merchants would show off their wealth. At one time there were more than seventy of the towers. Today, only twelve remain.

San Gimignano is certainly a popular destination, as evidenced by the massive car and bus parks around the outside. When Teddy visited the place was absolutely teeming with tourists – thousands of them. If you’re looking for a quiet, out-of-the-way village, then this may not be your cup of tea. Nevertheless, as an example of a medieval Tuscan walled city it is almost unsurpassed.

The town is surprisingly large, and it does take a while to get from one end to the other. It’s also worth walking the wall, with some of the best views of the Tuscan countryside you’ll see. As with all Italian villages there is a main square in front of the main church, and hundreds of small alleyways hidden away that are always worth exploring.

As with many of the walled villages that have turned into tourist meccas, the shops in San Gimignano are mostly art galleries, souvenir shops and specialty food and wine boutiques. There are treasures to be found if you have the time to spare, but patience is needed, especially if the crowds are heavy.