With summer around the corner and an 80 degree day happening this weekend, it’s safe to say summer vacation is on the brain!
While searching up spots to hit up for Euro Summer 2025 we came across this cute little town known as San Gimignano, a medieval version of our beloved Manhattan.
Tucked right in the heart of Tuscany, this spot stunning town has taken our heart thanks to the skyline nestled with not glass skyscrapers, but centuries-old towers.
Let’s chat more about this jaw-dropping “Italian Manhattan,” shall we?
Why is San Gimignano Called the “Italian Manhattan”?
As you may be able to tell from the photos, San Gimignano takes the form of New York City from the “skyscrapers” that grace the town’s skyline.
Of course very different from the likes of the Big Apple’s modern glass skyscrapers, the Tuscany region’s medieval stone towers range all the way back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
The towers became a symbol of power and prestige for wealthy Italian families looking to show off a personal architectural marvel that separated itself from the average folk.
San Gimignano was home to as many as 72 tower houses at one time (which we have to say would look a lot like Midtown), but now only 14 stone towers remain today.
The significance of San Gimignano’s towers
Not only were the towers a status symbol amongst the town’s elite, but of course an architectural phenomena riddled with history.
They were constructed from traditional Tuscan stone and brick, and were designed to be both imposing and durable.
With the town flourishing in the Middle Ages, largely due to its strategic position on the Via Francigena, a major pilgrimage and trade route connecting Rome to northern Europe…these towers became crucial for the town.
It created a pitstop for travelers, pilgrims, and merchants—fostering economic and cultural growth.
Nowadays, San Gimignano still holds the charm today, and even is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its exceptional preservation of medieval architecture and urban layout.
Landmarks like the town’s main squares Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza Duomo, are just as breathtaking as they were, and the entire town can be seen (nearly) as it was in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Visiting San Gimignano today and things to do
Want to visit San Gimignano this summer? It’s okay, we do too!
The town is home to so much medieval charm that radiates through its landscape, artisan shops, and art scene. We’ve already started your San Gimignano bucket list:
- Torre Grossa: The town’s tallest tower of them all (53 meters) is open for exploration, and you can check out panoramic views of San Gimignano and the rolling Tuscan countryside. Think of it as taking a visit to the One World Observatory.
- Historic Center: The UNESCO-preserved city center is something out of a movie, complete with cobbled streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and medieval architecture. It includes the two main squares we mentioned earlier, Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo.
- Duomo (Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta): Admire the cathedral’s 14th-century frescoes and impressive Romanesque architecture.
- Palazzo Comunale & Civic Museum: Take in century old art collections and the historic Sala di Dante, named after the poet who visited the town.
- Wine Tasting: Sip on the town’s most famous local white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. There’s plenty of wineries and tours you can book while you’re in town.