San Gimignano
San Gimignano is an Italian hill town in Tuscany, southwest of Florence. Encircled by 13th-century walls, it is famous for its fascinating medieval architecture and towers that rise above of all the other buildings offering an impressive view of the city from the surrounding valley.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 112
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro
- Country Code: IT
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 8,200
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 112 from any phone,. Be aware that the operator may or may not speak English.
Hospitals
Ospedale di S. Fina
Tourist Offices
Click the text below for more information.
Travelling Around
San Gimignano is a small city, so visitors may find that, once they have reached the area, walking is a viable option for exploration of it.
Airports
Train Stations
There is no train station in San Gimignano.
The nearest station is in Poggibonsi. So take the train to Poggibonsi from either Florence (sometimes a train change in Empoli is necessary) or Siena.
San Gimignano Safety
What are the common crimes?
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas, keep your belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Where can I keep up with the local news?
San Gimignano has local news media outlets. Click the text below for more information.
Which areas should I take extra care?
There are no real crime areas in the town, by taking the usual safety precautions you should experience no problems during your visit.
What are the top safety tips?
Be alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Take the usual safety precautions so you do not become a targets for pickpockets. Don’t put your wallet or mobile phone in your back pocket. Put any valuables items in a dark colour shopping bag when going out to avoid attention.
Many travellers attempt hitchhiking in the area but this is strongly recommended against because of safety concerns associated with the practice.
Visitors are obligated to park outside of the city walls and walk in to the area, so walking is the only reasonable option for seeing that part of the city. For this reason, travellers heading to the area should be in reasonably good shape. The altitude combined with the warmth during the summer months makes it important for travellers to be healthy for travel to San Gimignano.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Events
The Ferie delle Messi Medieval Harvest Festival
The Medieval Harvest festival takes place in the city each year. The festival honours the knights of San Gimignano that took part in the famous regional Battle of Montaperti (1260) and Campaldino (1289), as described in ancient documents.
San Gimignano Highlights
What other places should I visit?
Piazza della Cisterna is a piazza in San Gimignano, Italy. It is a triangular shape with a natural slope and is connected to the nearby Piazza del Duomo. The piazza is surrounded by houses and medieval towers which are amazing to look at, the style is unique. Its a great area to enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by.
The city museum showing what life was like in the city during the 1300. There are many historical gems, artists work on reconstructions of the city giving the visitors a unique look in to the cities history.
What are the highlight attractions?
Palazzo Comunale
An amazing tower in the heart of the city, its impressive features are well worth a look, inside there are important fresco’s by leading artists. The place also has civic authority which dates back centuries.
Collegiate Church of San Gimignano
In the heart of the city, it church is known for its amazing fresco’s by some of the worlds past artist masters. For a very small city its a beautiful jewel well worth a visit.
