San Gimignano

		San Gimignano is of Etruscan origin (9^th Century BC) and once part of the powerful lucomony of Volterra. The name comes from Germinianus; the 4^th Century Bishop of Modena whos miracles impressed the populace. The most revered religious figure however is Santa Fina; whose miraculous death was recorded in the 13^th Century. The town grew up in the Middle Ages under the dominion of the Bishops of Volterra but broke away in 1199 to become a Free commune.
		During the 13^th and 14^th centuries it’s merchants built fortunes trading in wool, wine, olive oil and spices; above all saffron which was one of the earliest dyes. The medieval tycoons built towers; competing against each other to build the tallest. At one point they numbered 70 and served as status symbols but also for defence for dropping stones and burning pitch onto would-be attackers below. Warring factions of families weakened San Gimignano and the town was finally annexed by Florence in 1354.
		San Gimignano later flourished under the Medici who encouraged restoration of buildings marred or destroyed by civil strife. Nobles, merchants and clergy then hired the finest artists and architects of the day to work on the palaces and churches to produce what today is considered a living museum of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. There is no traffic in the town and the narrow streets and cobbled alleys provide a wonderfully atmospheric feel. Entry through the 13^th Century San Giovanni Gate brings you straight into a picturesque and thriving street lined with shops selling everything from Wine and Leathergoods to China and Delicatessans, artisan jewellery, alabaster ornaments, galleries and museums of torture !
		Opening up at the top of the hill is the famous Piazza Della Cisterna which takes its name from the central well that has occupied the centre space since the 13^th century. Imortalised in the well known film “Tea with Mussolini”, the attraction of this Piazza is its stunning medieval architecture that remains unchanged over the centuries. Next door in the Piazza Del Duomo is the austere collegiate church flanked by the seven towers. The Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta is a 12^th Century Romanesque building which is covered inside with the most incredible and prescious collection of frescoes illustrating the Life of Christ and scenes from the Old Testament.
		Guided or self-guided audio tours are available from the Tourist Office in the Piazza del Duomo. San Gimignano is just 8 km from Villa Pallero. Staying so close you can visit the town in the evening and join the locals for their evening ‘passeggiata’, and sample the excellent ice-creams (one vendor won the world championship in 2006!), or go in early in the morning before the day-trippers arrive. This is also the time to catch the best light and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside with its vineyards and olive groves.

There is a weekly market on a Thursday, and various events throughout the year such as wine-tastings, especially during the autumn harvest-time. San Gimignano is famous for its Vernaccia wines and you can visit local vineyards and co-operatives for wine-tastings throughout the year. A short drive from San Gimignano will also take you into Chianti, home of possibly the most famous Italian wine. Other annual events include Carnival celebrations (February), Easter processions, Harvest Festivals (3^rd weekend in June), summer Music Festivals (July and August), and of course Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The countryside is spectacular at any time of year and Pallero provides the ideal base.

For more information see the Tourist Office website www.sangimignano.com