San Gimignano: 14 Medieval UNESCO Towers and Vernaccia DOC in Val d’Elsa

Arriving in San Gimignano is like stepping back in time. The medieval towers suddenly rise on the horizon, a unique silhouette that immediately tells you you’re in a special place. It’s not just a village; it’s a Tuscan icon that seems to have emerged from a painting. Walking through its cobblestone streets among stone houses and artisan workshops gives you a strange feeling: everything seems so authentic, so well-preserved. Perhaps that’s why UNESCO included it on the World Heritage list. The first time I saw it, I thought: ‘Here, the Middle Ages didn’t end; they just became more beautiful.’ And the towers—those fourteen survivors of the original seventy-two—are the true protagonists. They’re not just monuments; they’re history you can touch.

San Gimignano began as an Etruscan village, but its golden age arrived in the Middle Ages. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, it became an important commercial hub, particularly for saffron traveling along the Via Francigena. The most powerful families, such as the Ardinghelli and Salvucci, competed by building ever taller towers to display their wealth. Then came the plague of 1348 and economic decline, which paradoxically preserved the historic center: without funds for new construction, everything remained as it was. Today, we can admire what remains of that golden era.

• 3rd century BC: first Etruscan settlements
• 1199: San Gimignano gains municipal autonomy
• 13th-14th centuries: construction of medieval towers
• 1348: the Black Death marks the beginning of decline
• 1990: inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List

Not all towers are created equal, and some are truly worth a visit. The Torre Grossa is the only one you can still climb all the way to the top: 218 steps lead to a breathtaking view over the Val d’Elsa. Climbing up there is worth every effort, trust me. Then there’s the Devil’s Tower, which according to legend magically grew back every time its owner tried to lower it. But my favorite might be the Torre Rognosa, the oldest, which once served as a prison. A tip: look at them from different angles. From the Parco della Rocca, for example, you can see the entire profile of the village against the sky. And if you want a different experience, look for the ‘twin towers’ of the rival Ardinghelli and Salvucci families, built facing each other in an endless challenge.

San Gimignano isn’t just stone—it’s also wine. Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status in 1966, and it’s a true institution. Tasting it in one of the town center’s wine bars, perhaps paired with local cheeses like pecorino, is an almost obligatory ritual. I prefer to enjoy it while watching the sunset from the Rocca di Montestaffoli: the sun setting over the Tuscan hills as you sip that golden wine is an experience that stays with you. And if you’re craving something sweet, seek out Sergio Dondoli’s shop in Piazza della Cisterna: his gelato has won international awards. A Vernaccia sorbet after a day of exploring? Perfect. The square itself, with its medieval well and surrounding tower houses, is one of those places where you feel like staying forever.

Three concrete reasons to put San Gimignano on your itinerary. First: it’s one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world, where the atmosphere of the past is truly palpable—it’s not a reconstruction. Second: the panoramic views from Torre Grossa and the Rocca are among the most beautiful in Tuscany, with hills that look like green waves. Third: the food and wine experience is authentic, from Vernaccia to specialties like saffron and Cinta Senese cured meats. And there’s a fourth reason, more personal: here you understand what ‘timeless beauty’ means. You don’t need to be an art expert to appreciate it; just look around.

The best time? Early morning, when the towers stand out against golden light and the streets are still half-deserted. After 10am, organized groups arrive and it loses some of its magic. Seasonally, autumn is fantastic: the vines turn red, the air is fresh, and you can taste the new vintages of Vernaccia. Summer is beautiful but crowded, while winter has a special charm, with mists enveloping the towers creating an almost mysterious atmosphere. I was there in November and remember the silence broken only by footsteps on the cobblestones. A tip: check if there are events like the Medieval Festival in June, but be prepared for crowds.

If you have time, explore the surrounding countryside. A few kilometers away is the Abbey of San Galgano, with its sword in the stone and the roofless church that seems straight out of a legend. It’s a place that stirs emotions, especially at sunset. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the Crete Senesi: that lunar landscape of gullies and clay hills is unique, and you can visit farms producing DOP pecorino cheese. If you love wine, local wineries offer tastings of Vernaccia and other regional wines like Chianti. And don’t forget Monteriggioni, another fortified medieval village that looks like a fairytale castle. These are all places that complete the experience of the most authentic Tuscany.