San Gimignano and the Tuscan Wine Region …

San Gimignano is a wonderfully romantic hill town. The town is referred to as the "medieval Manhattan" for its DSC_0874skyline, which outlines thirteen medieval watchtowers which dot throughout the town center and are lined along its defensive outer wall. These towers were built by wealthy families as a sign of their power and are a striking contrast to the vineyards that surround this Tuscan town.

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San Gimignano increased in wealth during the Middle Ages thanks to the trading route that crossed it. Sadly, in the 14th century it’s population was drastically reduced by the Black Death. The plague threw the town into crisis and eventually led to its submission to Florence in 1353.

 

In the centuries that followed, San Gimignano’s  DSC_0881agricultural significance was rediscovered. It’s fertile fields ensure the town’s survival  and today it’s tourism and local wine sales are thriving! 

The town is essentially free of traffic with two main streets going through town. Lining DSC_0922the streets are local artisans, wine shops and restaurants. We enjoyed our visit here – we shopped, we sampled the local wine and we stopped for pasta at lunch. We must have spent too long touring because we had a parking ticket waiting for us when we got back to the car …

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