Free walking tours in San Gimignano and what to see

Must-sees

San Gimignano rises on a hill in the Valdelsa, between Siena and Florence, and you can spot it from afar by its medieval towers, built by the town's wealthy families as symbols of power. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The walk begins in Piazza della Cisterna, with its well in the middle, and continues to Piazza del Duomo, home to the Collegiata and the Palazzo del Popolo.

The Romanesque Collegiata is covered inside with frescoes of stories from the Old and New Testaments, and the chapel of Santa Fina has paintings by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The Palazzo del Popolo houses the Civic Museum, with Florentine and Sienese painting, and from there you climb the Torre Grossa to look out over the countryside. To the north, the church of Sant'Agostino holds Benozzo Gozzoli's cycle of the life of the saint. Finish in the Rocca di Montestaffoli park, with views over the Vernaccia vineyards.

Free tours and guided visits

San Gimignano has no regular free walking tours. What you will find are private guided tours of the historic centre, designed to go at your own pace and explain the history of the towers and the families who built them. The town also works as a base for trips: there are day outings to Pisa and wine tours through the Chianti with winery stops and tastings.

How long to spend

You need half a day to cover the two squares, the Collegiata and the Civic Museum and to climb the tower. If you want to see it without the midday crowds, stay the night: first thing and at dusk the streets empty and the light on the towers changes completely. With two days you can add a visit to a Vernaccia winery and a trip to Volterra or Monteriggioni.

Where to stay

Staying inside the walls is the best way to enjoy the town once the groups leave, although the centre is pedestrianised and you will have to leave the car in the car parks outside. The surrounding countryside is full of agriturismi among the vineyards, convenient if you are driving around Tuscany. Poggibonsi, in the valley, has more choice and a train station.