SAN GIMIGNANO

You cannot leave Tuscany without having a look at San Gimignano.
San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town close to Siena. Its skyline may be seen from several kilometers outside the town, famous for its medieval architecture and the unique and unforgettable scenery of its thousand-year-old towers.
In the historic city center you cannot lose Piazza della Cisterna with its antique taverns and shelters, old merchant towers and palaces, and its particular triangular shape, the medieval fortress Rocca di Montestaffoli, and from the tallest tower Torre Grossa you can admire a wide panorama from Apuan Alps to Pistoia mountains and more.
San Gimignano is also famous for its paintings and frescoes spread all over the city like all the interiors of the Cathedral and of San Pietro in Forliano, the famous "Annunciazione" from Ghirlandaio, the magnificent Pinacoteca with Pinturicchio masterpiece, and the great Benozzo Gozzoli frescoes in the church of Sant´Agostino.
The town is known for the white wine as well: Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the most delicious white Tuscan wine.
San Gimignano offers the opportunity of a great enogastronomic tour, starting with tastings of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the most delicious white Tuscan wine and appreciating the long-standing cooking traditions and the real organic food as DOP Saffron, Ribollita soup, the real Fiorentina steak..and don´t miss Ricciarelli and Cavallucci with coffee!
We recommend San Gimignano for your wedding in Tuscany: you can stay in a enchanting Villa on a hilltop, surrounded by olive trees with a breathtaking view over the Tuscan countryside, or in an old monastery, now a modern Relais in an excellent position, with a good restaurant, an elegant and relaxing wellness center, a beautiful pool with breathtaking views over the majestic towers of San Gimignano.

HOW TO GET TO SAN GIMIGNANO
You can easily reach San Gimignano by car from the north by A1 (Milano-Napoli), exit Florence South, then take the freeway (SGC) with Siena direction, Poggibonsi North exit, follow directions for San Gimignano.
You can reach San Gimignano by car from the south by A1 (Milano-Napoli), exit VALDICHIANA, then take the freeway (SGC) with Siena direction, Poggibonsi North exit, follow directions for San Gimignano.

By plane: Florence Airport is 60 km far, Pisa Airport is 75 km far.


SAN GIMIGNANO RESTAURANTS

RISTORANTE DORANDO, near to the Cathedral, maybe the best restaurant (2010 Michelin list). Typical atmosphere and delicious dishes by the ancient Tuscan tradition.

RISTORANTE IL PINO - it may deserve you attention as one of the best restaurants, with a good wine list as well.

You cannot miss RISTORANTE DULCISINFUNDO - Tuscan genuine recipes prepared with seasonal products and organic products, pure Saffron from the owners´ farm served in restored granaries with enchanting views.

Keep in mind even the RISTORANTE LE TERRAZZE, envyable location in Piazza della Cisterna, medieval lounges and interesting panoramic position.

Restaurant LA CAPPUCCINA - Tuscan local dishes and the best Tuscan and Italian wine labels; wonderful view over San Gimignano and the countryside from the restaurant.

We may recommend RISTORANTE LE VECCHIE MURA: off the usual tourist paths, you will enjoy Tuscany panorama from the terrace location.



HOTELS IN CITY CENTER

Hotel l´Antico Pozzo - frescoed walls and antique furniture

Hotel la Cisterna - 14th century palace, Florentine style furniture, rooms with view over the Piazza la Cisterna and over the Tuscan countryside

www.leonbianco.com - historic and refined hotel in the wonderful and fascinating Piazza della Cisterna, in the city center of San Gimignano



HOTELS JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTER

Relais LA CAPPUCCINA - modern and ancient blending into a beautiful Liberty style hotel set on a hill with views of San Gimignano. Wellness center and swimming pool for a peaceful and relaxed stay.

CHARMING B&B and FARMHOUSES

Fortezza Cortesi - a charme luxury farmstay, former antique fortress, on via Francigena. Only 6 rooms, precious tissues and exclusive antique furniture, with interesting customer care. Cooking lessons and home-made dinners on demand. Swimming pool and amazing Tuscan views.

Agriturismo Poggio Alloro - Simple and homely hospitality, biological products produce like pasta, oil, saffron and honey, and selected Chianina meat.

www.santopietro.it - ancient farmhouse 6 km from San Gimignano

www.molinodifoci.com - a beautiful farmhouse, former an old watermill, only 4 km from San Gimignano

WINE TASTINGS

Podere la Marronaia - much interesting Tuscan red wine (Pico della Marronaia) and Vernaccia di San Gimignano (Visila della Marronaia).

Barzaghi - biodynamic method for a great 100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano and SanGiovese 100% as well.

We advise also for Vernaccia:
Fontaleoni, il Lebbio and Guicciardini-Strozzi.