Aside from the mobs of people that now visit this small town every year (particularly in the summer months), I still enjoy spending a day in San Gimignano. It sits majestically on a hill overlooking the Elsa Valley, and is recognized from afar by its amazing medieval towers.
I enjoy getting to San Gimignano early in the morning before the town awakens. It is quiet and magical, creating a sense of timelessness. This is the perfect time to stroll the small streets capturing beautiful photographs of antiquity and charm. Around mid-morning, the town begins to stir and storefronts open to offer an array of trinkets and treasures--a great sampling of local agricultural and hand-made products. After a leisurely lunch, I insist on taking a walk around the 13th-century walls where breathtaking views of the surrounding valley can be found.
San Gimignano is the perfect destination for a day trip from Florence or Siena. Go, and check out a few of my favorite things:
Enoteca diVinorum. Three things make this wine bar special: wine, food, and the view. What else do you need, right? This wine bar is located on the popular Piazza Cisterna, but those in the know find there way in through the quieter entrance on the alley behind. If you're lucky enough to get a table outside on the alley, you'll enjoy lunch overlooking the valley below.
The menu is simple with bruschetta, wonderfully fresh salads, and platters of local meats and cheeses. They also serve a choice of 20 local wines by the glass--a great way to taste before you buy!
WHAT TO DO
For the Art/History Lover: Visit the Duomo, also called the Collegiate Church. The exterior, albeit plain, is a monument to Tuscan Romanesque architecture. Inside, the walls are lined with fine and notable 12th-century frescos.
For the Shopper: San Gimignano has no shortage of ceramic shops. However, the one that gets my vote is La Bottega. Prices are high, but if you are in the market for seriously beautiful and unique pieces, this is the place to go. Next, visit Rotini Art Gallery for beautiful Tuscan paintings. Both of these shops are experts at shipping their products to the U.S., and both have pieces that, I'm proud to say, now grace my home.
For the Foodie: Grab a culinary taste of Tuscany at La Buca. Find traditional olive oil, wine, salami and the infamous wild boar meat, all made from natural ingredients.