A visit to Tuscany would not be complete, without a day trip to the most famous walled medieval village called San Gimignano! It is famous for its towers, where you can view the beautiful hills of The Elsa Valley of Tuscany! It also has the Collegiata Church di Santa Maria Assunta (the Duomo of San Gimignano), museums, charming shops, art galleries, restaurants and the world’s most famous gelato!!
Ok, let’s get to the history first! It existed in the Etruscan and Roman times and then developed during the Middle Ages. It’s prime location served as a trade and pilgrimage route between Rome and the North. Their infamous stone towers rose circa 1150 as a defense tool and as an internal competition within its walls as to which family possessed the higher tower. The higher the tower the more power and wealth a family obtained, sort of like “Keeping up With the Jones Medievil Style!!” However, plague, wars, catastrophes and internal struggles weakened the village and over time, the initial 70 towers decreased to 14 at present. A watching guard can be seen perched atop one of the towers as a deterrent protecting its village from invaders! Today, you can climb to the top of the Bell Tower and take in a bird’s-eye view of the infamous Tuscan landscape Countryside!
When my group and I arrived in San Gimignano, it was so inviting to step foot into this magnificent walled wonder!! As you enter under the arched walls, navy blue banners and flags drape overhead and sway in the warm Tuscan breeze. A naked, rusted metal soldier can be seen standing guard on the cobbled stone streets as you enter! For a minute I took a double take!! He seemed so real, I thought he was one of those gilded men that pretend to be statues at our amusement parks. I have to admit, I still wasn't sure he was fake as I walked past and thought he would move at any moment!!
As we strolled the winding streets and hills, it amazed me at what life may have been back in the 1300’s. I didn't know what to take in first: the beautiful stoned buildings, the gorgeous Tuscan Landscape, views of vineyards and olive groves, or the most amazing shops beckoning your welcome! I had to stop and shop in the ceramic shops with their colorful hand painted pottery and masterpieces. I purchased a lovely plate depicting the Tuscan landscape so that when I looked at it I would always remember this magical day! The wine shops were so inviting as well. They displayed their famous Chianti Classicos and their Vernaccia, a white wine of medieval heritage that was consumed by kings and popes! And finally the pork stores adorned with wild boar heads and bountiful of salamis, cheeses, and truffles!!
OMG, Pinch me!!! We were in Tuscany and it was Amazing!! No Dorothy, we are not in Kansas anymore!! San Gimignano has two main squares, in the first one being, The Piazza della Cisterna. This was my favorite one!! In the square you will find a beautiful stone well in the center calling everyone to peer down and holler! In the Middle Ages this was the meeting point for the villagers where all the towns activities took place! This is now a wishing well and indeed a photo-op for most of the tourists! I took a beautiful one there with my Little Travelista. In the square we ate lunch al fresco (outside) at a Bar La Cisterna. We enjoyed their Tuscan vegetable pizza with a very thin, crispy crust. We chatted with people from all over the world and dined alongside a lovely family from Australia.
THEN we saved the BEST for LAST... we finally had the honor to visit The World's Champion Gelato Dondoli Gelateria! It won World Champion Awards in 2006-2007 and 2008-2009. The owner, Sergio, greets his guests while you wait in line for your delectable dessert! The big difference between gelato and ice cream is that it is made mostly with eggs and made daily, not like the ice cream we have at our local parlors that are made at least a year earlier!! The FRESHNESS is what you will taste immediately as you have your first spoonful! It has so many popular favorites, chocolate, pistachio, straciattella and mango to name a few! I tried the mango and it was DELICIOUS (this coming from a chocolate loving Travelista is BIG!!)
The next large square is called The Piazza del Duomo, where you can visit The Collegiata Church of di Santa Maria Assunta. Climb the stairs and enter this beautiful duomo with its painted walls and blue frescos! You are not allowed to take photo’s inside, which is strictly enforced, but you can only imagine how beautiful it was!!
I had to blog about San Gimignano as my first because it entered my heart that warm June day and it will always remain vivid in my heart and soul! San Gimignano is a wonderful place to eat al fresco, shop and relax and take in the magnificent views! Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds especially in the summer! Make this a must do while in Tuscany, and experience THE PASSION OF LA DOLCE VITA !!
