If you have planned a vacation for a few days in San Gimignano will be good to have some ideas also on nearby towns in order to arrange some excursions outside the historic center.
The city’s location is definitely strategic and around San Gimignano you will enjoy very beautiful landscapes and locations.
The land of Boccaccio: Certaldo
Although it is within the province of Florence, the town of Certaldo is located less than ten miles from San Gimignano. The town is most famous for being the birthplace of one of the greatest tuscan poets, Giovanni Boccaccio. The village is divided into two parts: the historic top part is accessed via a funicular which covers 55 vertical meters from the modern square downtown. A must see in Certaldo is the house of Boccaccio containing a library that is a reknown point of reference for historical researchers
Admiring the Crete Senesi
The surroundings of San Gimignano are particularly pleasant for the incredible views and the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding countryside. But if you have a little more time to keep driving on provincial roads and overtake Siena, you will come to another area not to be missed for its beauty. Pienza, Montalcino, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico d’Orcia are some of the villages in the Crete Senesi that retain the charm and tradition of the lands of Tuscany.
The great cities in Tuscany: Siena and Florence
By around forty minutes drive from San Gimignano you can easily reach Siena. The city is relatively small and visitable in a few hours but there are some places that require a mandatory visit. The first place to see is Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in the world where the Palio is held twice an year. However, if you enjoy the breathtaking views, should not scare you about the 400 steps that lead to the top of Torre del Mangia: from there you have a view as far as the eye over the city and beyond. More attention deserve the Duomo and the Baptistery: now symbols of this tuscan city.
The surroundings of San Gimignano are rich and this is only a small part of the possibilities that you have to visit them. Otherwise, far less than 60 km and connected by a convenient motorway, you will get to Florence, with its riot of art, history, music and literature.