San Gimignano - How big's your tower?

San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Sienna, Tuscany, north-central Italy. It is mainly famous for its medieval architecture, especially its towers, which may be seen from several kilometres outside the town.

The town has 14 towers, (used to be 72), and they were considered symbols of power and wealth of the medieval families. The towers themselves are rather dull and lacking of design, but with the contrast of the sloping terracotta roofs and the rolling Tuscan hills, it really was quite magical. San Gimignano has managed to conserve these towers of varying height which have become its international symbol.

In 1348 the plague wiped out much of the population; this is a funny fact that sprung to mind after we were strolling the streets after dinner. We appeared to be the only inhabitants. It was peaceful, beautiful under the stars, but a little hard to revel for too long at 0 degrees.

San Gimingano was a beautiful destination, day and night. We managed some fantastic accommodation with thick stone walls, (good for sound proofing the children), high ceilings and wrought iron beds. 'L'Antico Pozzo' was named after the old 'pozzo' (well) just off the lobby; our Princess used it to pretend she was Snow White, and we found an underground cellar with old relics. Staff were very helpful providing extra bedding, being accommodating in their under ground bar, fast service, chocolates for the kids and super gluing my husbands fingers together.

The town is also known for the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, grown in the area. We purchased a couple of bottles, and if we manage some restraint, it may even get home unopened. Other culinary delights tried were wild boar sausage, (very rich in flavour but delicious), and rabbit, (if my daughter asks, it was chicken).

IF Important Fact

Use tape not superglue when trying to mend sons broken head phones.