San Gimignano
Welcome to San Gimignano!
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about San Gimignano, a wonderful medieval city located in the province of Siena, in Tuscany. This town is the perfect place for lovers of history, art, and good food. In fact, its historic center, characterized by medieval architecture, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its traditional cuisine is famous throughout Italy.
Physical Geography
Territory
San Gimignano is located on a high hill in the Val d'Elsa, and is surrounded by a municipal territory of 138 km². Within its borders is also the village of Castelvecchio, from the Lombard era.
San Gimignano extends from a minimum of 64 meters above sea level in the plain of the Elsa river near Certaldo, to a maximum of 631 meters in the Cornocchio area. The capital, however, is located at 324 m above sea level.
Climate
The climate of San Gimignano is classified as zone D, with a high atmospheric diffusivity. In addition, the city is located in a medium-high seismic zone.
History
Origins
San Gimignano has very ancient origins, dating back to the 3rd century BC, when the Etruscans began to inhabit it. The hill on which it stood was a strategic location, as it dominated the high Val d'Elsa.
In the Middle Ages, San Gimignano was located along the Via Francigena, an important communication route that connected Rome to England. Even today, the city is a crossroads of important communication routes.
The Thirteenth Century
During the thirteenth century, San Gimignano was an emerging center, with a policy of territorial expansion and growing commercial activities. In this period, two new villages were formed, San Matteo and San Giovanni, which were later incorporated into the city walls.
In 1199, San Gimignano acquired municipal independence from the bishops of Volterra.
What to See in San Gimignano
One thing you absolutely cannot miss during your visit to San Gimignano is its historic center. Here you can admire the medieval towers that give the city its characteristic appearance, and walk along its streets full of artisan shops and restaurants.
Among the places to visit, there are certainly the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the Civic Museum, and the Montestaffoli Fortress. In addition, during the summer period, the city often hosts cultural and folk events.
Cuisine of San Gimignano
The cuisine of San Gimignano is famous throughout Italy, and is based on high-quality local products, such as Chianina meat and Vernaccia wine. Among the typical dishes are Ribollita, Pappa al Pomodoro, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
In addition, the city is famous for its desserts, such as Panforte and Ricciarelli, two delicacies that you absolutely cannot miss.
Conclusions
In short, San Gimignano is a wonderful city that will enchant you with its medieval charm, its views, and its cuisine. If you have the opportunity to visit it, you will certainly not regret it!
