What to see in San Gimignano in 2 days: complete itinerary

What to see in San Gimignano in 2 days

San Gimignano is the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages": 14 noble towers still standing (there were 72) create a skyline unique in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. But beyond the postcard towers, this Tuscan town offers extraordinary frescoes, excellent local products and breathtaking countryside.

Day 1: The towers and the historic centre

Morning

Enter through **Porta San Giovanni** and walk up Via San Giovanni, the ancient Via Francigena. The medieval street climbs between shops and palaces to **Piazza della Cisterna**, with its 13th-century well and towers surrounding it like theatre wings. It is one of Tuscany's most photographed squares.

Continue to **Piazza del Duomo**. The **Collegiata** (the Cathedral) is a masterpiece: the walls are entirely frescoed. The left nave has **Old Testament Stories** by Bartolo di Fredi (1367), the right has **New Testament Stories** (Sienese school), and the counter-facade bears Taddeo di Bartolo's terrifying **Last Judgement**. In the Chapel of Santa Fina, **Ghirlandaio's** frescoes (1475) narrate the life of the local saint.

Afternoon

Climb the **Torre Grossa** (54 metres, the only one open to the public) from the Palazzo Comunale. From the top, the view of other towers and the Sienese countryside is unmatched. Inside the palace, the **Art Gallery** has works by Filippino Lippi and Pinturicchio.

Visit the **Museum of Sacred Art** then lose yourself in the alleys behind Piazza del Duomo. Seek out **Via degli Innocenti** and the arch of Piazza delle Erbe, intact medieval corners where tourist crowds don't reach.

Hidden gem: the **Church of Sant'Agostino** (off the tourist path, at the end of Via San Matteo) preserves a fresco cycle by **Benozzo Gozzoli** on the life of Saint Augustine (1465) of moving beauty.

Evening

Aperitivo with Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG (Italy's first wine to receive DOC status in 1966) in Piazza della Cisterna. Dinner with local dishes: ribollita, pici with San Gimignano saffron, wild boar. Saffron has been grown here for centuries.

Day 2: The walls, the countryside and secrets

Morning

Walk the **wall ramparts** in the northern sector (access from Rocca di Montestaffoli). From the Rocca, a public park with a ruined tower, the 360-degree view is the town's best. Bring breakfast for a panoramic picnic.

Descend to the **Medieval Fonti** (13th century), public cisterns below the walls where sangimignanesi drew water. It's an evocative and little-visited spot with pointed arches.

Afternoon

Devote the afternoon to the **surrounding countryside**. The trail to **Cellole** (3 km, easy) crosses Vernaccia vineyards and olive groves with tower views. The Romanesque abbey of Cellole is an isolated jewel.

Alternative: visit a **Vernaccia** winery for a guided tasting with views of the towers. Local producers also offer oil and saffron.

Hidden gem: **Galleria Continua** (Via del Castello) is one of Italy's most important contemporary art galleries, housed in a medieval cinema and theatre. International artists' installations in historic spaces: the contrast is powerful.

Evening

Final tower circuit in the golden sunset light. **Via San Matteo** (north exit, toward Porta San Matteo) is less crowded and equally beautiful. Gelato from Dondoli in Piazza della Cisterna (world champion) and farewell dinner with a view.

Recommended walking routes

• **Tower route** (2 km): Porta San Giovanni → Piazza della Cisterna → Piazza del Duomo → Torre Grossa → Sant'Agostino → Porta San Matteo
• **Countryside route** (6 km return): Porta San Matteo → trail to Cellole → abbey → return

Practical tips

• Arrive early morning or late afternoon: between 11am and 4pm the squares are very crowded
• P2 car park (Porta San Giovanni) is most convenient
• The combined ticket covers Collegiata, Torre Grossa and museums
• Avoid August: prefer April-June or September-October

Further reading

• [Where to stay in San Gimignano](/guida/dove-dormire-a-san-gimignano)
• [Where to eat in San Gimignano](/guida/dove-mangiare-a-san-gimignano)
• [How to get to San Gimignano](/guida/come-arrivare-a-san-gimignano)