Discover the historic centre of San Gimignano and tower

San Gimignano history… From the Etruscans, to the Romans, to Medieval splendor

The history of San Gimignano has distant roots that reach back to the ancient Romans. In 63 BC, two young Roman patrician brothers; Muzio and Silvio, fled to the “Valdelsa,” valley of the Elsa River, after their involvement in the conspiracy against Catiline. They built two castles; the Mucchio that of Silvia, the latter being the first structure of present day San Gimignano.

San Gimignano is named after the Bishop of Modena who lived in the fifth century BC and later became a saint for having miraculously appeared during the invasion of Attila the Barbarian, and saved the city from destruction.

In San Gimignano there are numerous prehistoric remains while in the surrounding countryside there are traces of ancient Etruscan settlements and sacred sites, such as the one found at Pugiano, while the Roman presence in the area can be detected near the Fosci River at the Villa di Chiusi.

San Gimignano began to develop in the Middle Ages when it became a major resting place for pilgrims walking the Via Francigena road, built by the Lombards and the obligatory pilgrimage route when heading from France to Rome.

In 1199 the city became a free commune and then became embroiled in the fighting between the Guelphs, supporters of the pope, and Ghibellines, supporters of the Holy Roman Emperor.

The city remained independent until 1354, during a time of pestilence and misery, when it came under the control of the Florentine republic. Later, in the seventeenth century, it became part of the Medici Grand Duchy.

The historic center of San Gimignano: towers and medieval buildings

San Gimignano is situated on a hill 334 meters high and is surrounded by 13 towers.

It is said that in 1300 there were 72 towers; one for each family of the wealthy city, whom through the construction of a tower showed their economic power.

During the Middle Ages the tower was a symbol of power since the complex construction was done at a considerable cost and could be afforded by only the most influential families who were often involved in trading activities.