City of san gimignano, italy. San Gimignano - the beauty of Tuscany! History of San Gimignano
In 1282, the government issued a law forbidding the demolition of old houses only in order to build even more beautiful ones in their place. Since that day, for a century, the city has reached its greatest prosperity and decline, avoiding radical changes. The medieval town, which today attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world, looks just like in those days. True, out of 72 towers (one for each noble family) built in the Middle Ages, only 13 remain. Otherwise, the city makes a very strong historical impression. suffers from mass tourism, from the constant flow of people who come and go. And the town requires a leisurely inspection: it is better to choose the off-season or weekdays.
Cathedral of San Gimignano
The one who came in after Florence, Pisa or Siena might not be particularly impressed appearance Cathedral. The modest Romanesque facade of the 12th century, however, does not contradict the beautiful interior.
Divided into three naves, the church of Santa Maria Assunta has retained some of its masterpieces: in the upper part of the back wall, the Torment of St. Sebastian by Benozzo Gozzoli is depicted, and in the center, a kind of Last Judgment by Taddeo Bartolo. Along the right wall are the Stories of the New Testament by the disciples of Simone Martini, along the left - the Stories of the Old Testament by Bartolo Fredi. The transverse nave hides two more masterpieces: a wooden crucifix from 1200 and the Santa Fina Chapel (see point 2).
Chapel of Santa Fina in San Gimignano
Santa Fina from lived a difficult life. After the death of her mother, she decided to pray until her death, stretched out on a wooden table. According to legend, the Great Saint Gregory took her to him, since she died and gained eternal life on his day.
This is what Ghirlandaio tells with his frescoes in the eponymous chapel of the Cathedral. This scene is depicted on the right wall, and on the left is the funeral of the saint, at which three miracles took place: the old nurse was healed of paralysis, the sight of the crying child was restored, and the bells of all the towers were rung by angels.
Cathedral Square of San Gimignano
If the Cathedral is a religious symbol of the city, then the People's Palace (Palazzo del Popolo) is secular. Together they form Cathedral Square.
The Palace of the Commune (or City Hall) is located to the left of the square, between the main tower and the Lodge of the Commune. The latter gathered power for public ceremonies. Today the palace houses the Civic Museum (Il Museo Civico di San Gimignano). In truth, this is a new city hall building from 1337, and before that it was located in the old palace in front of the Cathedral.
Civic Museum of San Gimignano
The Civic Museum is located inside the People's Palace, which already shines with the beauty of the reservoir 1361 and frescoes.
Immediately behind the stairs is the Dante Hall, named after the poet who stayed in the city on business of the Guelph association. The hall was painted by Lippo Memmi in 1317. After that comes the hall of the Secret Meetings, from where, through the main tower, you can go to the art gallery with masterpieces by Pinturicchio, Benozzo Gozzoli, Filippino Lippi.
Reservoir area in San Gimignano
So unusually picturesque, located on the top of the hill around which the city has grown, the square is a must-see.
It takes its name from the octagonal well dug at the behest of Mayor Guccio Malavolti, whose coat of arms (ladder) is engraved on the stones. Harmonious and peaceful, it is without a doubt the most beautiful in and one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. If Cathedral Square- a religious and political center, then the Reservoir Square is a shopping center, since numerous shops were located here, a market and tournaments were unfolding. Further along Castello Street (via Castello) you can see the Tortoli castle (palazzo Tortoli) with windows from the 13th century, the Pucci tower, the Pond Hotel (Albergo della Cisterna), the Ridolfi Palace (palazzo Ridolfi), the towers and houses of Becci and Cugnanesi, the Pellari Palace (palazzo Pellari) and Ardingelli Palace (palazzo Ardinghelli) with two towers. On the other side of the square rises the Devil's Tower (Torre del Diavolo), so named because, as its owner said, one day, when he returned home, the tower became higher: who else could do this in his absence, if not the devil himself? If you make a stop at the square, buy ice cream at Dondoli's gelateria, famous all over the world.
Museum of Torture in San Gimignano
If you want to learn about all the possible ways to torture a person and have strong nerves, you should visit the Museum of Torture (Museo della Tortura).
In general, there are two museums: the first is located on three floors and tells about the history of torture methods in different countries, demonstrates tools, photos and gives detailed explanations and picturesque demonstrations on mannequins. The second, higher, is dedicated to the death penalty. The ticket price is high - 10 euros - but people pay for the uniqueness of the place.
Church of St. Augustine (Chiesa di Sant'Agostino)
A small treasury of works of art, the church, however, usually undeservedly falls out of the program of the always in a hurry tourist. And in vain.
Its vault is painted by Sebastiano Mainardi and depicts the doctors of the Church (Ambrogio, Augustino, Girolamo and Gregorio), and the floor is tiled by Andrea Robbia. Two masterpieces of the church are the Coronation of Mary by Pollaiolo on the main altar and the History of the Life of St. Augustine, a cycle of frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli in the choirs.
Fortress of Montestaffoli
It was built to defend the city from the attacks of Siena. There is little left of the ancient citadel, but it is worth looking at the place. The only turret has been preserved at the foot of the complex, it offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. Today, festivals and holidays are held here, in particular, the tournament on sticks (Giostra dei Bastoni) on the third weekend of June.
What to eat in San Gimignano
Vernaccia wine and saffron are two products that are typical and famous throughout the world. Saffron, yellow gold, more than once acted here as the equivalent of money: they paid off debts acquired in long wars with Siena and Florence.
The value of this spice can be understood by imagining how many flowers it takes to make one kg of saffron: 150,000! Vernaccia, a dry white wine produced in, was sung by Dante, Boccaccio, Louis Black and Lorenzo the Magnificent. Local dishes include classic Tuscan toast with poultry liver, local sausage and pecorino, first courses with wild boar meat and second courses, mainly meat dishes.
San Gimignano- has a nickname la citta delle Belle Torri, "the city of beautiful towers." Of the 72 medieval towers, symbolizing the power and wealth of the noble families living here, only 14 have survived, but this is enough to call the city "Tuscan Manhattan". Thanks in large part to this, San Gimignano attracts many tourists, especially during the summer months.
San Gimignano is located 56 km south of.
"transfer point"
For a long time, the pilgrims who traveled from the north to Rome along the Francigena road preferred to stay for the night in a small village San Gimignano. There was everything necessary for weary travelers - both inns and money changers. Medieval "tourist business" brought a considerable income, and soon San Gimignano was decorated with the first towers. but in the middle of the XIV century, the golden time was over: the route of the pilgrims changed, who now walked along the calm banks of the Elsa River, instead of climbing steep hills.
On the new path, the pilgrims chose the city of Poggibonsi for the night, and the abandoned San Gimignano remained on the top of the hill, clinging to the clouds with its many towers.
History of San Gimignano
San Gimignano was founded by the Etruscans in the 3rd century BC. It received its modern name in the 10th century, in honor of the Bishop of Modena, St. Geminian, who, according to legend, saved the city from Attila. The city became a commune in 1199 and often fought with neighboring Volterra. the next two centuries were overshadowed by the feud between the Ardinelli (Guelph) and Salvucci (Gibelline) families, which sometimes led to bloody skirmishes. Most of the city's towers were built at that time, and in the 13th century, one of the city's rulers forbade building towers higher than his own (51 m).
In 1348, San Gimignano suffered greatly from the plague, the city commune weakened, and as a result, the city went to (1353).
Tourist office of San Gimignano
- Piazza del Duomo, 1
- 0577 94 00 08
- daily 09.00–13.00, 15.00–19.00 (winter until 18.00)
Attractions San Gimignano
There are not so many attractions in San Gimignano: everything is located within the old city, which on average is about 1 km in diameter.
Tourist route in San Gimignano
Porta San Giovanni
Main city Gate of San Giovanni (1)(Porta San Giovanni) were built in 1262. From them to Piazza del Duomo (Piazza del Duomo) leads via San Giovanni(Via San Giovanni).
Porta San Matteo
Via San Matteo (Via San Matteo) starts from piazza del Duomoto northern San Mateo gate (2) (Porta San Matteo, XIII century).
Piazza della Cisterna
The center of the city is triangular Piazza della Cisterna(Piazza della Cisterna), in the center of which is a cistern for drinking water (XIII century). The area is surrounded by houses and towers of the XIII-XIV centuries.
Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta
TO piazza della Cisterna adjoins piazza del Duomo, on which stands a Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Assunta (3) (Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta).
The church has a severe and simple facade (XIII century), but the interior of Santa Maria Assunta is known for its wonderful frescoes, which almost completely cover the walls of the temple. on the left wall from the entrance are scenes from the Old Testament (Bartolo di Fredi, 1367), on the right wall - from the New (Barn da Siena, 1381).
On the western wall, the artist of the Sienese school Taddeo di Bartolo depicted the scene of the Last Judgment (1393). Santa Fina Chapel(Capella di S. Fina) are decorated with frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio.
- Santa Maria Assunta
- Apr–Oct Mon-Fri 09.30-19.30, Sat 09.30-17.00, Sun 13.00-17.00,
- Nov–March Mon–Sat 09.30–17.00, Sun 13.00–17.00
Palazzo del Podesta and Torre della Rognosa
Opposite the church stands Palazzo del Podestà(Palazzo del Podesta, XIII century) c Rognoza tower(Torre della Rognosa, 51 m). The name of the tower comes from the Italian word rogna, which translates as "problems", in particular "problems with the law" - for a long time the city prison was located here.
Palazzo del Popolo
Palazzo del Popolo (4) (Palazzo del Popolo) is located to the left of Santa Maria Assunta. In 1299 here in the Council Hall ( Sala del Consiglio), Dante Alighieri addressed the locals, urging them to support the Guelph party. The hall is decorated with the fresco "Maesta" (traditional image of the Madonna on the throne) by Lippo Memmi (XIV century).
- Palazzo del Popolo
- Piazza del Duomo, 1
- daily March–Oct. 09.30–19.30, Nov.–Feb. 10.30–17.30
Musei Civico and Torre Grossa
From the courtyard of the building you can climb the stairs to City Museum (5) (Museum Civico), which presents paintings of the Sienese and Florentine schools of the XII-XV centuries, as well as on Gross tower(Torre Grossa, 54 m, XIV century) - the highest of the towers of San Gimignano, from where a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding area opens.
Fortress of Montesaffoli
If you walk a little westward from piazza del Duomo, you can see impressive ruins fortresses of Montesaffoli (6) (Rocca di Montestaffoli, 1358), where concerts and exhibitions take place in the summer.
Church of Sant'Agostino
Church of Sant'Agostino (7) (Chiesa di S. Agostino, XIII century) is located in the north of the historical center of the city. Inside you can see a cycle of frescoes by the Florentine Benozzo Gozzoli on themes from the life of St. Augustine (1467).
- Sant'Agostino
- Piazza Sant'Agostino
- daily summer 07.00–12.00, 15.00–19.00, winter 07.00–12.00, 15.00–18.00
Devil's Tower and Torture Museum
V devil's tower(Torre del Diavolo) on via del Castello located Torture Museum (8) (Museum della Tortura), where torture instruments from the time of the Inquisition are exhibited with detailed comments, including in English.
San Gimignano is a unique town, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. He can even hit seasoned tourists. Proud towers and palaces, picturesque streets, knightly tournaments and festivals have made San Gimignano the most popular place in Tuscany. It is often called "Italian New York" because of the tall towers, reminiscent of the skyscrapers of the "Big Apple", which were built in the middle of the 12th century. True, only 14 of the 72 towers have survived to this day.
The town of San Gimignano, a treasure trove of Tuscan architecture, is located on a hill that rises 334 meters above the valley of the Elsa River. Every year more than two million people come here to touch its rich history, admire the famous towers - a symbol of the power of the noble families who lived here. The city owes its name to the Bishop of Modena: according to legend, during the attack of the Huns, Gimignano went to Attila and persuaded him not to ruin the inhabitants.
The settlement on the site of today's San Gimignano was founded by the Etruscans before our era, in 200-300. It became a city during the Middle Ages, around the 10th century, having experienced its economic and cultural rise at the same time. This was largely facilitated by the major trade route running through it - Via Francigena, connecting Rome and France.
Having received the status of a "free city" in 1199, San Gimignano began a series of wars with Volterra and other neighbors. He was also torn apart by internal confrontations - between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. In addition, in 1348 a pestilence began here due to the "black plague". As a result, all this led to the decline of the city, and in 1353 he was forced to submit to Florence. But in the following centuries, San Gimignano was able to regain its importance.
In addition to the majestic towers, here you can see luxurious palaces– Palazzo Nuovo del Podesta and Palazzo del Popolo, Cathedral and Church of St. Agostino. Tourists will be attracted by exhibitions of sacred relics, and an ominous torture museum with terrible instruments of torture. Souvenir shops - and there are simply no number of them - sell beautiful ceramics and other products of local artisans. You will definitely enjoy the best sweets in Italy, as well as the fine white wine Vernacci.
One of the most popular entertainments in San Gimignano is the Harvest Festival, celebrated since the Middle Ages at the end of June. An amazing sight awaits you: crowds of citizens in folk clothes, hurrying along the narrow streets to Piazza della Cisterna, where mounted knights go. Every year, the Giostra dei Bastoni tournament (stick battles) is also organized here, gathering many tourists in the tiny town. Popular and all sorts of spectacles under open sky: festivals of culture, opera and ballet, performances, fireworks.
You can get to San Gimignano by bus from Florence (5-8 euros, 1 hour 45 minutes, 12 departures per day) or Siena (5-8 euros, 1.5 hours, 10 departures). The information office is located in Piazza del Duomo. Here you can find free maps, book a hotel room, buy bus tickets, as well as audio guides through the streets of the city for 5 euros. In addition, the office organizes walking tours that start from March to October every Sunday at 15:00 in English and Italian for 15 euros.
The tourist city of San Gimignano is located in Italy. It is considered a true gem of the Tuscany region. His appearance seemed to be transferred from medieval paintings and frescoes to the real world. If you walk along the city streets and lanes, you get the impression that all the achievements of progress are in the past, and the old atmosphere of stone buildings and structures reigns around.
San Gimignano: historical background
In the 3rd century, the Etruscans founded the first village on the territory of modern Tuscany. Later, the Romans came to these lands. They captured them and founded Fort Sylvia there. And in the 10th century the city got its current name. And it was named after Bishop Geminian, who was considered the patron saint of these places.
In 1199, the town was taken over by Volterra. At the same time, the first mayor appeared there, who was called “podest” in Italian. In this time period, San Gimignano received several directions of development:
- Trading. The "road of the Franks" ran through this city;
- Pilgrimage. Through San Gimignano, the pilgrims went to Rome.
Then the city's population was twice as large as today, and amounted to 15,000 people. In addition, two influential families shared power in the city at that time: Salvucci and Ardingelli.
San Gimignano has had several outbreaks of plague. And the construction of new buildings was not carried out at all. Therefore, the city has retained its historical appearance. And it has become an important tourist destination.
San Gimignano today
Today, the tourist stronghold is included in the UNESCO World List. San Gimignano is known not only for its appearance, but also for the fact that saffron is grown in its vicinity. The city is also proudly called "Vernacha di San Gimignano", which translates as "the city of white wine."
In the city itself there are many towers, wells and narrow streets with a strong slope. There are also monasteries and churches, museums and gourmet restaurants.
Sights of the ancient city
Why is San Gimignano called the city of a hundred towers? During the golden period of the Middle Ages, there were 72 towers in the city, which served as defensive structures. Then, during the Second World War, their number was reduced to 25 due to the bombing. Today, there are only 14 towers in San Gimignano.
In addition to the above-mentioned towers, there are other sights in the city worthy of tourists visiting them again and again.
Cathedral Square
It is this square that connects the main tourist sites of the city. There is the most tall tower located to the right of the beautiful town hall. There is also the Collegiate Church, the Palace of the Commune, as well as the city museum, which presents elegant canvases by Florentine artists, on the square.
The square itself is paved with stone. Its shades successfully harmonize with old buildings. From this place, roads and streets spread in all directions around the city. The area can be considered central region cities.
Torture Museum
The sinister museum is located in the Devil's Tower on Via del Castello. The expositions of the museum are authentic instruments of torture, collected according to the periods of their use.
Coming to this place, you can learn a lot about the history of the Inquisition. The most ancient exhibits of the museum date back to the 13th century. Museum tours are also conducted in English.
Fortress of Montesaffoli
To the west of Duomo Square are the ruins of a majestic fortress. Today, under the surviving vaults of the structure, concerts are held, local residents have a rest. And earlier there was a castle of the Bishop of Volterra, which was then transformed into a fortified and reinforced fortress.
A total of 2175 meters make up the walls of the structure in length. These walls were erected to protect the city, and to control local residents. The architecture of the fortress is strict but attractive. And with her viewing platforms great views open up.
How to get to San Gimignano?
The easiest way to get to San Gimignano is from Florence. From there, various regular buses run to this town.
There is a train connection at Poggibonsi, which is closest to San Gimignano. These cities are also connected by the SP1 highway. From Siena, this place can also be reached by bus. Travel time will be just over an hour.
Public transport operates within the city. Residents of San Gimignano can park their cars behind the ramparts freely. But for tourists, entry by car into the historical part is prohibited. Therefore, they have to leave their cars outside this area in special parking areas in the south and north.
San Gimignano is a city steeped in history, frozen in its splendor. It can be called an open-air museum. Therefore, it is worth visiting it if you happen to visit Italy.
