San Gimignano: Who Built the Ancient Skyline of Italy?
The landscape in the area is classic Tuscan countryside at its most idyllic. Rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, adorned with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. There is a timeless rural charm, with winding country roads offering breathtaking views everywhere. It’s a backdrop that perfectly matches the medieval towers that rise from the hilltops, making the town look like a scene from a Renaissance painting.
Photo: Paulo Duarte / Pixabay
The first historical evidence of a place named ‘prope Sancto Geminiano adiacente’ (which means next to San Gimignano) was in the year 929. This fertile hillside location in the Val d’Elsa was once donated to the bishop of Volterra. At the time, the village was a stopping point along the Via Francigena, the well-known pilgrim route. It was also located near the ancient Roman road of Via Romea in Italy.
When was San Gimignano built
Due to its favourable location for the pilgrims travelling to Rome, San Gimignano developed in the Middle Ages into an important town. A small agricultural community arose – with the production of wine, saffron and wool. The town had about 13,000 inhabitants and was enclosed by a massive town wall at its peak around the first half of the 14th century,
Explore the San Gimignano history | Photo: Travel In Culture
What are the San Gimignano Towers
The remarkable towers of San Gimignano, 334 m (1,100 ft) above sea level, were built by wealthy patrician families in the 12th and 13th centuries. In San Gimignano’s heyday, the number of towers rose to 72, symbolising the wealth and power of the proprietors. Every family, who could afford it, built a tower to show their social status in society and its economic power. Often, it was rich families like merchants and moneylenders who could spend the amount required to raise such a tower.
The medieval towers housed families in small rooms with few openings and thick walls, designed to keep out the summer heat and insulate during winter. The ground floor was often used as a workshop.
Photo: Travel In Culture
Photo: Travel In Culture
San Gimignano Towers History
From the late 12th century, the towers began to change in character. Bricks were introduced, larger rooms and wider openings became common, and lower buildings started to appear alongside the towers. Architectural styles from Pisa and other Tuscan towns also began to influence their design.
The arrival of the Black Death in 1348 marked the beginning of a downturn. The number of pilgrims and other visitors declined, weakening the small community. Eventually, control of the village passed to Florence.
Discover the Town of Lucca
Road Safety in Italy / Your Country
3 Tuscan Towns in a Day
San Gimignano skyline | Photo: Travel In Culture
Today, only 14 towers remain. Among them are the Torre Grossa, the Chigi Tower, the Pettini Tower, and the Salvucci Tower, to name a few. However, the foundations of several others can still be seen.
San Gimignano became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Today, its surviving towers rise from a Tuscan hilltop, forming one of the most distinctive ancient skylines in the world!
Read more about fabulous day trips in Tuscany: 5 Cream-of-the-Crop Day Trips from Florence and take a look at Cool Things to Do in Florence in 3 Days!
Going to Rome? Check out our Rome in 3 Days guide.
Read next: The Thermal Hotspot Montecatini and Visit Pompeii Ruins
Accommodation / Tours: Check Hotels, Tours & Activities
San Gimignano Skyline in Italy – San Gimignano Towers History
Featured image of
San Gimignano Towers History Italy:
Travel In Culture
