A hidden gem of Italy

This is a story about a hidden gem of Italy, a small town that didn't get enough atention even though its beauty is far greater than of the some of the most touristic places in the world. This is a story about San Gimignano, a little town in Tuscany.

Tuscany, with its breathtaking landscape is by far the most beautiful region of Italy. The capital of Tuscany is Florence. Here, you can see a rich cultural heritage and feel the great influence that it had on the spread of Renaissance culture and art throughout Europe. It is the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Tuscany, was the center of attention and inspiration of the most important artists: Dante, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and many others.

But little do people know about towns like San Gimignano. It was founded in the 3rd century BC by the Etruscans. The height of its wealth and power was at the beginning of the 14th century. At this time, this town had as many as 72 stone towers that served to defend the city. The towers were commissioned by wealthy families because it was considered that the higher was the tower the greater was the power of the family who has built it. Therefore, every promising family wanted to build a tower in order to show their status and wealth. Some of the towers were 50 meters high. Later, it was discovered that such high constructions could be unstable and dangerous. So, a new law was necessary. According to this new law, none of the towers could be higher than Torre della Rognosa Tower. One wealthy family wanted to show how powerful they were and they have built two towers. In this way, they have respected the law, their towers were not dangerously high. However, there were two of them. So, in this way they have demonstrated their power and status. This important family was the Salvucci. Their towers, located in Piazza del Duomo, were know as the Torri dei Salvucci or the Torri Gemelle which means The Twin Towers.

San Gimignano was developed around two main squares, Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo. The most popular square in the town is the triangularly shaped square of the Piazza della Cisterna with a well in the center of it. The square is surrounded by numerous noble houses and medieval towers. In the past, this square was a market place and today it is a place where various events and festivals are held throughout the year. Piazza del Duomo was the center of political and religious life in the Middle Ages. Today is a place where you will find most public and private monuments. The square is dominated by the Church of the Collegiate from the 12th century. In front of the church is the beautiful palace Palazzo Vecchio del Podesta and the tower of Rognos already mentioned.

Besides its rich history, San Gimignano is also famous for its wine made from grapes from the surrounding vineyards, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. This wine is today recognized as one of the best Italian white wines.
This little town has something for everyone. If you like rich histories – it has it, if you enjoy good wine – it has it, if you like amazing landscapes and breathtaking nature – it has it...it has it all.