Tuscany Read more [...]
San Gimignano
Spirit Of Travel Category: Countryside
-
San Gimignano is one of the few remaining Italian “borgos”or walled medieval hamlets that remains intact, capturing its feudal character and spirit and recognized by UNESCO for its unique cultural heritage.
San Gimignano was an ancient Etruscan city with a strategic location chosen for its dominant position over Val D’Elsa (the Elsa Valley.)The city was located close to the Via Francigena pilgrims’ path, and it was here, from 990-994 AD, that Sigerico, the Archbishop of Canterbury named the city Sce Gemiane, derived from the historic legend of the saint and bishop of Modena who defended the city from Attila.
After a huge economic boom during the middle ages, the city grew in importance and power, as did that of many of the aristocratic families living there. These wealthy families expressed their politic and economic power in the construction offortified towers, which served as both fortress and residence, each one competing with the all the others.
During the second world war, San Gimignano was bombed by the Americans for 10 consecutive days, causing extensive damage. It was the local parish priest who saved the town, alerting the Americans that only 10 German soldiers were in the town and that it could be conquered without risk of loss.San Gimignano is famous, above all, for the distinctive towers which dominate the skyline and which have earned the city its nickname the “Medieval Manhattan.” Of the original 72 towers, only 14 remain; the oldest is the Torre Rognosa (51 m) and the Torre Grossa (Fat Tower) is the tallest at 54 meters.
Like many Tuscan towns, San Gimignano is famous not only for its historical and cultural value, but also for its food and wine. The city is famous for both Vernaccia wine, one of the few prestigious white wines produced in Tuscany, and for its saffron cultivation. Vernaccia was recognized in 1966 when it received the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC).
This post is also available in: Italian French Spanish German Portuguese (Portugal) Russian
-
-
2 Comments on “San Gimignano”
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Register or login with Facebook or Gplus: (By proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy)Register or login with Facebook or Gplus: by proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
The City ot the Towers
San Gimignano is one of the most beautiful medieval town in Tuscany. The town has a lot of towers, built during the middle age by the lords of the city. There are a lot of typical food shops and boutique!
SAN GIMIGNANO
It’s a fascinating borgo located in the heart of the Tuscan hills. I recommend that you go there, also to taste Vernaccia wine, one of the few prestigious white wines produced in Tuscany. A place not to be missed!