Number 5 On The Places To Visit In Tuscany - San Gimignano
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Tuscany is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. It has all you would expect to offer from an Italian holiday from the food and wine to the culture and history. One of the most fascinating areas is the medieval village of San Gimignano. The village is approximately half way between Florence and Siena built high upon a hill overlooking the whole of the beautiful Elsa Valley that surrounds the walls of the village. From the towers in the village you can see a full 360 degrees around and on a clear day you can see all the way to the larger cities of Florence and Siena.
It is thought that the name of the city came from Saint Geminianus, who helped save the village from the attack of the Huns in the 5th century. The city flourished as a stopping point for pilgrimages to Rome during medieval times. People would trade and rest as they proceeded on their way from Canterbury to Rome.
Being centrally located between Florence and Siena meant that during the 1100's the city was caught directly in the middle of the feuds between the families of the cities. Despite this the city was still able to trade well in its local resources of wine and saffron. This trade meant the city grew and was able to commission a large amount of public art work in the 1200's, most of which is still on display in the galleries and museums around the city.
During this period of expansion the cities families built over 70 towers as a symbol of wealth and power. Today only 14 of these towers remain but this still creates a truly remarkable atmosphere around the city. In 1990 the city was granted UNESCO world heritage site status. On arriving at San Gimignano you will generally have to park your car lower down the hill. This gives you a chance to walk up through the imposing gates through the city walls. You are given tantalising glimpses of the spectacular architecture through archways and doors that look up towards the main square.
The main gates lead you up the main street in San Gimignano. At the end of the main road you will be lead to the city's Duomo where you will find the Great Tower, Torre Grossa. The entrance can be located down a small side street but it is worth finding it and climbing up the 54m high tower. The views from the top are breathtaking. You can see over the whole of Tuscany all the way to Florence and Siena. You can see villages and Tuscany villas dotted over the landscape. The staircase within the tower is quite a climb and is certainly not for people with a fear of heights.
There are many different places to stay around San Gimignano, and lots of different places for you to eat. There is everything from a small snack bar through to a full Tuscan feast featuring all the local produce and food, including plenty of the local Vernaccia wine. One must on any tour of the city is one of the fantastic Gelaterias, selling fresh homemade ice cream of all types all varieties using the best of local ingredients.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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