Saturday, May 12, 2012

Stepping Out in San Gimignano

San Gimignano is one of the most beautiful of the Tuscan hill towns. It is another walled town with 14 towers and grew up in the 12th century as a place to support pilgrims.


Some of the historic items however date from the Etruscan period and are over 2000 years old.

We are staying right in the centre at the historic La Cisterna Hotel which is in a 14th century building, fortunately with all mod cons.

One church we visited today had a sign proclaiming that it had been renovated in 1173! Another interesting museum featured a special chair from the 15th century which was for the nurse to sit on during Baptisms.


The best time to be in San Gimignano is early morning or late afternoon and evening after the day tourists have departed. This is the time to sit at an outdoor restaurant and admire this beautiful town.



We saw a selection of jewelled crowns in the Religious Art Museum.


There is a garden at the top of the hill right near the wall.  The may bushes are in full bloom.  The view over San Gimignano is quite spectacular from here.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad you had all mod cons, wouldn't want to have to use a 14th century bathroom!
What wonderful sights you are seeing - and the meals look impressive too. Mmmmmm cheeeese.

xxx
Di

David said...

yeah looks like interesting place to vist with all the old buildings, glad to see you were able to stop for beer earlier :)

Amanda said...

Hahahahaha Dave has his priorities right. There's no question as to him being switched at birth.