In the thirteenth century San Gimignano's families competed to build the tallest tower: more than seventy once rose, thirteen remain, and they are enough to draw the world's most famous medieval skyline — UNESCO-listed since 1990. From the Torre Grossa, the only one you can climb, the Val d'Elsa opens in a circle.
The frescoed Collegiata and Sant'Agostino with its Gozzoli cycle reward those who step inside instead of stopping at the photo. In the glass, a record: Vernaccia di San Gimignano became Italy's first DOC wine in 1966. And in Piazza della Cisterna, a multiple world-champion gelateria made ice cream part of the pilgrimage.
Near San Gimignano
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
