No tour to Tuscany, the heart of Italy, is complete without paying a visit to its small historical town San Gimignano, which is world-famous as the Tuscan city of towers. The whole town has been declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. To arrive in this pretty, tiny town of Italy, you board a bus, car or if you are an adventure traveler, hiring a Vespa is a great idea indeed!
What to See and Experience
If you're visiting San Gimignano for the first time, you'll be surprised to see the number of towers (72 towers!!!) built densely in a small geographical area. These towers speak a volume about the region's history and they are also worth watching for architecture buffs and sightseers. Once you're done exploring all details of this historical tower, the heart-stopping skyline of the town, sample dry white Vernaccia wine, which is local produce and a key reason why travelers comes again and again to this Tuscan town. In fact, there is a museum of Vernaccia wine in this town.
As similar to other medieval towns of Tuscany region, San Gimignano too was once a territory of powerful empires and rich jet sets of that time. The history of the town dates back to the 3rd century BC, the Etruscan times. In those days, the town was mainly used as a stopover by pilgrims on the way to Rome and the Vatican City.
Climb the wall of a historical fortress and explore the incredibly beautiful views of the town and its surrounding region. You will find an abundance of nature's scenery from the top and feel lucky to arrive at such a heavenly place where the real green Italy breaths. Don't miss to take your camera before heading down to this place.
During your visit to this charming Tuscan town, you may also get a chance to watch a creepy puppet show held at the wonderful Piazza Della Cisterna, which is also home to award-winning glitter. If you are an art aficionado, there are many museums dotted across the town.
Culinary Delights of San Gimignano
I strongly recommend you to taste aperitivo wine and Tuscan cured- meats & cheeses during your trip to San Gimignano. Most of the dishes you'll see in the eateries of this town are made using local produce. If you expect taste-tingling food and top-quality wine in your holidays, a trip to this walled city will certainly not disappoint you.
Where to Stay?
There is a huge selection of San Gimignano holiday homes that you'll get spoiled by choices. If you are a budget traveler, browse the internet for San Gimignano apartments and grab the best deal before you arrive in the town. Truth be told, if you want to enjoy Tuscany in a nutshell, stay at least for 46 hours in San Gimignano and cherish all this magnificent town has to offer.
So, what is stopping you now? Get your bags ready and book your flights and accommodation in Tuscany. The one-of-a-kind tourist attractions of San Gimignano are waiting to be explored!
Martin Wynn
