San Gimignano Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy)

A town brimming with character and historic attractions, tourists visiting San Gimignano are advised to simply spend time exploring the streets and piazzas on foot, so that you can soak up the atmosphere at your leisure. Tourists always flock to the Piazza del Duomo and sightsee around this church square. A number of tall, medieval towers flank the piazza and add a huge amount of character, with these historical tourist attractions being built around 1,000 years ago.

The main streets of interest within San Gimignano include the Via San Giovanni and the Via San Matteo, both of which are lined with their very own set of unique attractions. The Piazza della Cisterna may also be of interest, along with the Montestaffoli Fortress (Rocca di Montestaffoli), which enjoys an elevated situation, perfect high above the town centre.

Piazza del Duomo

Address: Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano, Italy, IT
The Piazza del Duomo is home to one of the biggest of all the tourist attractions and landmarks in San Gimignano, the Collegiata (Cathedral). Also located within the square is the Town Hall (Palazzo Comunale) and its towering Torre Grossa, and the Palazzo del Podesta, which stands beneath its Torre della Rognosa. The attractions here are extremely popular and on the busiest days it is likely that you may have to queue to visit the monuments and museums, or alternatively, just sit back at one of the outside cafe tables and soak up the atmosphere of days gone by.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

San Giovanni Street (Via San Giovanni)

Address: Via San Giovanni, San Gimignano, Italy, IT
The Via San Giovanni is located alongside the Porta San Giovanni gateway and is a charming, cobblestone alleyway and the town's main thoroughfare. As you stroll along the Via San Giovanni you cannot help but sightsee and spot many historical mansions and old attractions along the way, a number of which still retain their original towers. Tourists will find that walking along this street is rather like walking straight back into the past.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

San Matteo Street (Via San Matteo)

Address: Via San Matteo, San Gimignano, Italy, IT
Near to the town's centrally located Piazza del Duomo and its magnificent cathedral, the Via San Matteo is yet another characterful street, steeped in history. San Matteo Street stretches from the square adjacent to the Palazzo del Podesta and is flanked by a number of interesting gift shops and medieval structures, namely the Pettini and Salvucci towers, which are well worth searching out if you have the time.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Rocca di Montestaffoli (Montestaffoli Fortress)

Address: West of Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano, Italy, IT
The hilltop Rocca di Montestaffoli stands directly west of the Piazza del Duomo, where it presides over the town and has done so since the middle of the 14th century. Adjoining the town walls and partially dismantled during the 16th century, the Montestaffoli Castle attractions of today are still very impressive and the views of San Gimignano, the surrounding countryside, the Elsa Valley and the nearby vineyards are superb, particularly when you climb the still very much intact tower. The Rocca di Montestaffoli is surrounded by just over 250-metres / 820-feet of castle walls and in its heyday featured no less than two separate drawbridges. This is perhaps the ultimate place for picnicking in the town.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Piazza della Cisterna

Address: Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano, Italy, IT
Many people describe the Piazza della Cisterna as being the historic commercial heart of the town and this charming public piazza is shaped rather like a triangle. Sloping slightly and originating from the 13th century, the Piazza della Cisterna is surrounded by an array of attractions, and tourists will enjoy exploring the innumerable shops and cafes. On the western side of San Gimignano's bustling Piazza della Cisterna you will find both the Torre del Diavolo and the Torri Ardinghelli, two very eye-catching towers. In the centre of the piazza is the square's namesake well (cistern), which is octagonal in its design and has become an important and historical feature. The Torture Museum lies off the piazza and it is well worth checking out this gruesome attraction if you have the time.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free