Tim Jepson
Daily Telegraph
San Gimignano
Introduction
San Gimignano is Italy’s best preserved medieval city, famous for its medieval towers looming over the landscape. As in most Tuscan towns, the centre is closed to traffic but there is plenty of parking outside the walls, it is therefore a pleasure to stoll around in the centre.
History
San Gimignano's history dates back to the 10th century, its towers date back to the 11th to 13th century. It got it's name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, Saint Gimignano who was to save the town from the barbarian hordes. In the Middle Ages it increased it's wealth and development due a trading and pilgrim route that passed it. Due to this prosperity there are many beautiful works of art in its churches and monesteries. In 1199 it became a free municipality. Soon after, due to internal power stuggles, it divided into 2 factions.
In 1348 the Plague dramatically reduced the population, which put the city into a crises that caused it to submit to Florence in 1353. It has overcome it's downfall due to its beauty and cultural importance and the rediscovery of its agricultural heritage.
San Gimignano's history dates back to the 10th century, its towers date back to the 11th to 13th century. It got it's name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, Saint Gimignano who was to save the town from the barbarian hordes. In the Middle Ages it increased it's wealth and development due a trading and pilgrim route that passed it. Due to this prosperity there are many beautiful works of art in its churches and monesteries. In 1199 it became a free municipality. Soon after, due to internal power stuggles, it divided into 2 factions.
In 1348 the Plague dramatically reduced the population, which put the city into a crises that caused it to submit to Florence in 1353. It has overcome it's downfall due to its beauty and cultural importance and the rediscovery of its agricultural heritage.
What to see
There is a picturesque Piazza della Cisterna with the city’s well in the centre. The collegiate church is in the Piazza del Duomo.
The Museo Civico is the town’s local museum, housing a good selection of art and the town’s history. From here it is possible to climb the “Torre Grossa” a few hundred steps but worth it for the view.
From Piazza del Duomo walk up to La Rocca, the ruined fortress, which also gives a good view of the town.
Less visited is the church of Sant’Agostino, on the north side, which has lovely frescoes.
Recently there has been an unusual addition to the town, the Museum of Torture, an exhibition of torture methods and equipment for those with macabre tastes.
There is a picturesque Piazza della Cisterna with the city’s well in the centre. The collegiate church is in the Piazza del Duomo.
The Museo Civico is the town’s local museum, housing a good selection of art and the town’s history. From here it is possible to climb the “Torre Grossa” a few hundred steps but worth it for the view.
From Piazza del Duomo walk up to La Rocca, the ruined fortress, which also gives a good view of the town.
Less visited is the church of Sant’Agostino, on the north side, which has lovely frescoes.
Recently there has been an unusual addition to the town, the Museum of Torture, an exhibition of torture methods and equipment for those with macabre tastes.
Saffron
An important agricultural product of San Gimignano is saffron. Its cultivation dates back to the medieval period when it was of extreme economic importance to the town, it was used to pay debts and as an excise tax.
It is now cultivated with natural methods that forbid any chemical usage at any stage in its cultivation and conservation.
An important agricultural product of San Gimignano is saffron. Its cultivation dates back to the medieval period when it was of extreme economic importance to the town, it was used to pay debts and as an excise tax.
It is now cultivated with natural methods that forbid any chemical usage at any stage in its cultivation and conservation.
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