San Gimignano, whose historic centre is a UNESCO`s World Heritage Site, os about 35 kilometres north-west of Siena Originally a small Etruscan settlement, it grew in dimensions and reputation during the Middle Ages, especially because it was situated along the Via Francigena.

So, if you are spending your holidays in Tuscany and you have rented a villa or a farmhouse in Siena or in its outskirts, this small village renowned all over the world for its towers (in the Middle Ages they were 72, at present only 14 are still to be admired) is well worth a visit.

For decades the object of a struggle between Siena and Florence in the 14th century San Gimignano passed under the government of the latter.

During your one-day trip to the third most visited town in Tuscany after Florence and Siena you can visit the Palazzo Nuovo del Podestà and its Torre Grossa (54 metres); the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, decorated with frescoes by Sienese painters and with sculptures by Jacopo della Quercia; the Rocca di Montestaffoli, from which you can enjoy magnificent views; and the city walls.

And do not forget that San Gimignano is situated in the district where Vernaccia (a white dry DOC wine) is produced... and a visit to the Museo del Vino is a must. If you like strong emotions, you could also visit the Museo della Tortura.