San Gimignano may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to sights. Two must-sees are the Palazzo Comunale and the Torre Grossa. Here’s what you need to know.
Palazzo Comunale
The Palazzo Comunale, San Gimignano’s former Town Hall, sits in the heart of Piazza della Duomo. Built between 1289 and 1298, it once housed the Podestà (Mayor) and hosted Public Council meetings.
Today, the Palazzo is home to the Musei Civici (Civic Museums), established in 1853, and the Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery). As you tour the building, you’ll walk through various Council Chambers adorned with stunning frescoes and artwork from the Florentine School.
Don’t miss the “Sala di Dante”, the ancient Council Hall named after the famous poet Dante Alighieri. Here, you’ll find Lippo Memmi‘s 14th-century fresco, Maestà (Majesty), which covers an entire wall.
Climb to the Top of Torre Grossa
Standing tall at 54 meters (just over 177 feet), the Torre Grossa (Great Tower) is the highest of San Gimignano’s medieval towers. Built in 1311, it offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside and the town’s tiled rooftops – a sight not to be missed.
To reach the top, you’ll take a wide metal stairway with landings, a more forgiving climb than a typical stone spiral staircase. The only tricky part is the last 15 rungs, which involve a small ship’s ladder through a narrow opening. Watch your head, camera, and sunglasses!
You can access the tower from the main entrance of the Palazzo Comunale.
Art in the Courtyard
After your tower climb, visit the palace courtyard, where colorful medieval frescoes decorate the walls. You’ll see coats of arms of former town mayors and a 16th-century fresco by ‘Il Sodoma’, a High Renaissance painter from the Sienese School.
The courtyard also houses the Torre Grossa’s original bell (circa 1328) and an old water well.
Ticket Info
- Regular Admission: €5 (includes Palazzo Comunale + Pinacoteca + Torre Grossa)
- Combo Ticket: €7.50 (includes all Civic Museums: Palazzo Comunale + Pinacoteca + Torre Grossa + Archeological Museum + Herbarium of Santa Fina + Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery + Ornithological Museum)
You can purchase tickets at the entrance to the Palazzo, located at the top of the steps near the base of the tower.
Traveler Tips
- In bad weather, access to the Torre Grossa may be limited.
- The courtyard is free to enter – just walk through the archway below the tower.
- While in San Gimignano, be sure to try the local specialty, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a crisp white wine perfect for sipping in the square.
- For a tasty treat, head to Gelateria Dondoli in Piazza della Cisterna. This world-famous gelato shop has won numerous awards for its creative flavors like Saffron and Pine Nuts.
- If you’re visiting in summer, consider staying overnight to experience the town’s magical atmosphere after the day-trippers have left. The Hotel Leon Bianco, housed in an 11th-century palace, offers rooms with stunning views of the towers and countryside.
With its rich history, stunning art, and breathtaking views, the Palazzo Comunale and Torre Grossa are must-sees in San Gimignano. So step back in time, climb to the top, and soak in the beauty of this enchanting Tuscan town.
