Explore Incredible Medieval Buildings During a Tuscany Villa Stay
If you have always wanted to see an excellent example of a well-preserved medieval town, a visit to San Gimignano could be the perfect way to spend a day during your Tuscany villa holiday.
San Gimignano's Italian nickname translates in English to the City of the Beautiful Towers and you'll still be able to see evidence of these structures - which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries - during your visit.
While the city's history can be traced back to the time of the Etruscans, it was not a settled town until the tenth century, when it became an important stopping point for pilgrims making their way to and from Rome.
However, San Gimignano came into its own in the Middle Ages and you'll find much of the town you see today is from this time.
In fact, the spectacular medieval architecture is the reason the town has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage site and during your visit, you'll be able to take in the stunning sights and sounds of San Gimignano.
At one time, there were a total of 72 towers in San Gimignano, built as symbols of the wealth and power of the area's most influential families.
Today, a total of 14 structures remain intact and you'll be able to marvel at the striking, distinctive skyline as you make your way through the town's historic centre.
The oldest area of the town offers a unique glimpse into what life must have been like in medieval times - you'll see fountains, wells, streets, squares, palaces and ordinary houses all grouped together closely.
San Gimignano offers a number of excellent opportunities to see artworks dating back to the 14th and 15th century in their original setting.
For a fascinating look at the daily life of the people who lived here during the early 14th century, you'll want to take in the frescoes that adorn the chambers of the podesta in the Palazzo del Popolo.
Elsewhere, you'll be able to see depictions of a number of religious-themed works - including The Martyrdom of St Sabastian by Benozzo Gozzoli and The Last Judgement, Heaven and Hell by Taddeo di Bartolo, the latter of which dates back to 1393 - in the town's cathedral.
You'll find it easy to get to San Gimignano from Florence, Siena and holiday villas throughout Tuscany - it's just a short drive away from the major centres.
Whether you choose to visit this beautiful medieval city for the day or stay overnight to get a true taste of San Gimignano, you are sure to have a wonderful time on your Italian holiday.
Start planning your villa stay today!
San Gimignano's Italian nickname translates in English to the City of the Beautiful Towers and you'll still be able to see evidence of these structures - which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries - during your visit.
While the city's history can be traced back to the time of the Etruscans, it was not a settled town until the tenth century, when it became an important stopping point for pilgrims making their way to and from Rome.
However, San Gimignano came into its own in the Middle Ages and you'll find much of the town you see today is from this time.
In fact, the spectacular medieval architecture is the reason the town has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage site and during your visit, you'll be able to take in the stunning sights and sounds of San Gimignano.
At one time, there were a total of 72 towers in San Gimignano, built as symbols of the wealth and power of the area's most influential families.
Today, a total of 14 structures remain intact and you'll be able to marvel at the striking, distinctive skyline as you make your way through the town's historic centre.
The oldest area of the town offers a unique glimpse into what life must have been like in medieval times - you'll see fountains, wells, streets, squares, palaces and ordinary houses all grouped together closely.
San Gimignano offers a number of excellent opportunities to see artworks dating back to the 14th and 15th century in their original setting.
For a fascinating look at the daily life of the people who lived here during the early 14th century, you'll want to take in the frescoes that adorn the chambers of the podesta in the Palazzo del Popolo.
Elsewhere, you'll be able to see depictions of a number of religious-themed works - including The Martyrdom of St Sabastian by Benozzo Gozzoli and The Last Judgement, Heaven and Hell by Taddeo di Bartolo, the latter of which dates back to 1393 - in the town's cathedral.
You'll find it easy to get to San Gimignano from Florence, Siena and holiday villas throughout Tuscany - it's just a short drive away from the major centres.
Whether you choose to visit this beautiful medieval city for the day or stay overnight to get a true taste of San Gimignano, you are sure to have a wonderful time on your Italian holiday.
Start planning your villa stay today!
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