After Firenze and Siena, San Giminignano is among the most important Tuscany town.
It’a a must for everyone staying in Val d’Elsa or in Val di Cecina.
The city was built on an ancient Etruscan hill and reached its zenith between the ninth and eleventh centuries.
Because of its proximity to the Roman crossroads linking the Val d’Elsa and Pisa on the via Romea street which in turn connected Rome to the Transalpine provinces, was home to nine guesthouses for merchants who daily came to town.
Local families, those of some importance, gave proof of their possessions and prestige of erecting a tower close to home. It is thought that they were built less than 72 towers, most of which today has disappeared.
This habit, which led to the creation of magnificent skyscrapers around the world, has ancient origins and San Gimingnano, is the most representative example.
Today the city still has 15 towers and from the standpoint of architectural and urban scenarios offers us truly special.
The center is dominated by two adjacent squares, as the tank and college.
The Duomo or Collegiate has a trapezoidal shape and is the center of political and religious life of San Gimignano.
The medieval square has a triangular shape and closed on three sides by ancient palaces, houses of ancient local families. His name is given by tanker built in 1273 and then expanded to collect rainwater and is now set to become the symbol of this city towers.
Monica
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