| San Gimignano and Monteriggioni |
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Things not to miss | Monteriggioni | Getting from San Gimignano to Monteriggioni A quick 45 minutes drive down the Firenze-Siena superstrada lies San Gimignano with its famous towers and glorious views. A town declared by UNESCO as part of the world's historical heritage. At more than 300 metres high, its imposing towers dominate the Elsa Valley below. The town started its life in the 10th century taking it's name from the Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who saved the village from hoardes of raiding barbarians. During the middle ages the town increased in wealth largely due to the trading of the pilgrims that passed through the town. This in turn brought the decorative arts to its churches and monasteries. In 1348 the population was culled by the Black death and eventually (San Gimignano having become an independent municipality in 1199) became part of Florence in 1353. In the centuries that followed San Gimignano rediscovered it's agricultural heritage and today it can be found on many visitng tourists itineraries. Things not to miss
Monteriggioni To begin this journey from Florence take the Autosole and exit at Firenze Certosa, then take the Superstrada to Siena and exit at San Gimignano (journey time approximately 45 minutes). Directions to get from San Gimignano to Monteriggioni can be found below. |
