San Gimigano
Brief History of San GimiganoSan Gimigano Photos
    Verona was not alone with its feuding noble families in medieval Italy. Almost all towns of medieval Tuscany and Umbria contained feuding noble families. These feuds would start over the most trivial thing. More often than not, during the feud the families would lock themselves in towers (much like in the Mani region in Greece) and throw objects at each other. As a result, medieval skylines were filled with the towers (fortresses) of noble families. Also the bigger the tower was, the more wealthy the family was.

  San Gimignano is one such Italian hill town that had its share of towers. During the medieval period, there were two main factions of nobles that had an on going feud; The Ardinghelli and the Salvucci. Unfortunately, they often brought other families into their feud. As a result during San Gimigano's medieval heyday, there were 72 towers high above the town.

Alas, in 1999 only 14 (one book says 15) of the original towers exist now. However, with its Umbrian medieval buildings, 14 towers and medieval street plan, San Gimigano has become the poster child for medieval Italy. It is a nice city to visit, to see the towers and to sample the food However, it is overrun with tourists and I rank it a distant third behind Siena and Assisi However, San Gimigano is still a nice city to visit though (after the other two). MY suggestion is to either get lost or go in the winter to see the true city. That way you will miss the masses of humanity that crowd the main plazas.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Any comments, please E-mail me, .

Options
More photos from Italy Guide Books Italy FAQ
More photos from Europe Sign my Guestbook
 Return to my Photo Gallery
Photos for Sale

All photos by John L. Polos July 1999
Copyright June 10, 2000

Plaza and Tower
Collegiata and Tower

Plaza Della Cisterna
Plaza Della Cisterna

Stair way
San Gimigano Skyline

Tower
Arch

Back Street
Old City Wall

Cat and Bird
Home

Roadway
From the Castle Wall