San Gimignano Off The Beaten Path

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The pitoresque Colle Val d'Elsa is situated just a few kilometres before San Gimignano. The fortifications of the town are considered a mille-stone in the development of the Medicean fortified architecture.
The Volterra Gate, called also Porta Nuova, is a small fortress itself. The gate was erected in 1479 by the greatest military architect of the time, Francione and his student Guliano da Sangallo, who later became the favourite arghitect of the Medici.

Well the place was awesomely beautiful after driving 2 hours to find it. There is a commercial hot springs spa but next to it in the woods are the natural hot springs. OK, the previous week there had been a pretty big earthquake in southern Italy and we think maybe the water was diverted because you could see where it had been and where it was. Anyhow, the day was cold and windy and the hot springs looked awesome. lol, the water was lukewarm at best, we stayed in not for more then a few. But it was an adventure anyway.

Santa Lucia is beautiful medieval monastery complex situated in the close vicinity of San Grimignano. It is one of the best position for taking a panoramic picture of entire village with all its towers. There is a local road to Santa Lucia immediate from the main parking place outside the village.

The countryside surrounding San Gimignano is very beautiful. At the turn of each curve on the road you might be surprised at the breathtaking landscape that meets you.

The landscape varies between plains and slight hills, abandoned houses or active farms, isolated trees or groups of trees on the slopes, and you will surely come across vineyards and the wine routes.

If visiting San Gimignano by car, reserve some time to drive around and enjoy the landscape.

Siena is situated about 40km from San Gimignano. It is a very nice city with an outstanding Cathedral. One of the main attractions – the Campo Grande – is a huge round square where lots of people gather around. The architecture of the city is quite interesting and also its “typical” brownish colour. We spent a wonderful time in Siena and I’d recommend everyone to visit this laid back city.

Volterra is not very far from San Gimignana and it is easy to see both in one day. About 45 minutes by car on lovely winding country roads. These two cities are very different in character, so the contrast is interesting. Volterra is a mountain fortress town that has a stern dominating beauty. There is a somber feeling to this town, but not unhappy or negative, just serious. Unlike San Gimignana which is bustling with energy, Volterra is silent and lonely, but beautiful just the same. The architecture is imposing the way it was intended to be.

There is no really of the beaten path here. The town is so little. PLease take your time to walk around. A few hundreds of secret corners are waiting for you. Little dark arches , tiny streets and alleys. Don't stay in the tourist street. You can also take the walk round the city walls...almost 7 kilometers.

Don't go with one of those busses that put you of for an houre...

San Gimignano is located in the beautiful region of Tuscany. This part of Italy combines wonderful hilly landscapes with picturesque historic villages, often located on some idyllic hilltop.Of course some Tuscany also has some delicious food and wine to offer. No wonder that this region is so popular. And that is actually its main disadvantages. The region is not 'unspoiled' anymore and during high season it can be very busy. But having said that, it is and will be a lovely spot to visit.

Here are some places I've visited over the years in Tuscany and might give you some suggestions for yourself when visiting this part of Italy:

Arezzo
Borgo a Mozzano
Montalcino
Monte Argentario
Montepulciano
Monteriggioni
Pisa
Pitigliano
San Gimignano
Saturnia
Siena
Sovana

You can read more about all these places on my Tuscany page