San Gimignano and 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
- The Duomo: from 1148 this impressive building is adorned with frescoes.
- The Museum of Sacred Art: lots of canvassas and sacred works of art.
- The Archeological Museum: Etruscan, Roman and Medieval findings from the town.
- The Church of St. Agostino: Frescoes, tablets and artwork.
- The Torture museum: A medieval torture musuem, fun if fairly gruesome!
Monteriggioni
A small medieval town Monteriggioni, built in 1213, can be found a short 20 minute drive towards Siena (see directions that follow), it is one of Italy's most familiar and well known walled towns. In the summer months medieval festivals take place inside the enclosed town. We recommend that this trip is combined with a lunchtime or evening meal at "La Sosta di Pio VII" (address details here).
Getting from San Gimignano to 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).