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San Gimignano
San Gimignano: Smartphone Audio Tour & Hidden Gems
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Overview
The San Gimignano Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone is a convenient way to see this old town. This tour helps visitors discover San Gimignano quickly, in about 1 hour. People can follow the app's map from the San Giovanni town gate to the Rocca fortress ruins. Along the way, they will see the town walls and famous medieval towers that look like skyscrapers.
The tour includes 14 stops. Each stop has pictures and audio stories made by a history expert in a simple, easy-to-understand way. People can use headphones to listen to the stories and learn about the town at their own speed, without needing to stay with a group. The audio guide works even without internet after it is downloaded. Visitors will see the Porta San Giovanni, Church of San Francesco, Torre e Casa Campatelli, San Gimignano 1300 Arts Center, Casa Santa Fina, Piazza della Cisterna, Gelateria Dondoli, Palazzo Comunale & Torre Grossa, Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, Torri dei Salvucci, Via San Matteo, and Rocca di Montestaffoli.
Visitors can make the most of a short trip to San Gimignano with this audio guide. The tour includes an offline map with GPS, one-year access to the tour in a chosen language, an audio guide app for iPhones and Androids, pictures to help find landmarks, and 14 audio recordings by a history expert. 
Highlights
Explore at Your Pace: Discover San Gimignano on a self-guided walking tour.
Easy-to-Use App: Follow the route with an offline map and GPS navigation.
Expert Historian: Listen to fascinating stories and legends narrated by a professional.
See Key Landmarks: Visit the town walls, medieval towers, and Duomo.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoy the flexibility and informative content of the audio tour, finding it a convenient way to explore San Gimignano. Some may prefer a live guide and should be aware that entry tickets are not included.
The audio guide is easy to use and very informative.
The tour is a great way to see San Gimignano at your own pace.
The historical information is interesting and well-presented.
The offline map is helpful for navigating the town.
Some users may prefer a live guide for a more personal experience.
The tour does not include entry tickets to attractions.
The Journey
Porta San Giovanni
Step back in time at Porta San Giovanni, one of Rome's grand southern entrances. Commissioned in 1574 by Pope Gregory XIII, this Renaissance gate replaced a medieval predecessor along the Aurelian Walls. Admire its elegant façade, adorned with papal coats of arms and Latin inscriptions, and reflect on the transition from ancient Rome to the Renaissance. Though no longer a functional gateway, it stands as a silent witness to centuries of Roman history, a peaceful monument connecting the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano to the heart of the city.
Church of San Francesco (San Gimignano)
Discover tranquility at the Church of San Francesco in San Gimignano, a modest yet spiritually resonant 13th-century structure. Embrace its simple Romanesque design and peaceful interior, characteristic of Franciscan churches. While less ornate than other churches in town, it offers a quiet escape from the bustling tourist paths. Experience a slower, more contemplative connection with San Gimignano’s deep religious history, far from the crowds.
Torre e Casa Campatelli
Seize the rare opportunity to explore inside a historic medieval tower at Torre e Casa Campatelli in San Gimignano. This fully restored 12th-century tower-house, once owned by wealthy landowners, blends original medieval architecture with elegant 18th- and 19th-century furnishings. Experience a layered view of life across centuries, enhanced by a multimedia display that unveils the town's captivating history. It's one of the few places where San Gimignano's legendary skyline becomes personal and intimate.
San Gimignano 1300 Arts Center
Journey back in time at the San Gimignano 1300 Arts Center, a unique museum showcasing a stunning handcrafted ceramic model of the town as it appeared in the year 1300. Wander through meticulously detailed dioramas and historical exhibits that bring the medieval era to life. A must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers, the Arts Center offers an immersive experience into the heart of San Gimignano's storied past, right in the center of the old town.
Casa Santa Fina
Pay homage to Saint Fina, San Gimignano’s beloved patron saint, at Casa Santa Fina, her birthplace. While the house itself is not open to the public, feel the reverence surrounding this touching site. Nearby, in the Collegiate Church, admire the stunning Santa Fina Chapel with its exquisite frescoes depicting scenes from her life. Join the town in celebrating her legacy every March 12 with special events. A poignant destination for those seeking history and faith.
Piazza della Cisterna
Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano’s iconic square, named after its 13th-century stone cistern. Surrounded by historic towers and brick-paved streets, this vibrant hub was once the town's bustling marketplace. Today, soak in the atmosphere as you enjoy cafes, admire picturesque views, and explore the essence of San Gimignano’s rich history and spirit. It’s a quintessential stop on any visit.
Gelateria Dondoli
Indulge in the world-renowned gelato of Gelateria Dondoli, nestled in San Gimignano's Piazza della Cisterna. Created by Master Gelato Maker Sergio Dondoli, a multiple-time World Gelato Champion, this gelateria blends tradition with innovation, offering unique and unforgettable flavors like Crema di Santa Fina®, Dolceamaro®, and Champelmo®. Be prepared for a line, a testament to the gelato's unparalleled popularity and quality. Enhance your experience with gelato-making classes, a perfect treat for any culinary enthusiast.
Palazzo Comunale & Torre Grossa
Discover the civic heart of San Gimignano at the Palazzo Comunale and Torre Grossa. Built in the 13th century, the Palazzo Comunale, once the seat of government, now houses the Civic Museum, filled with exquisite frescoes depicting daily life and courtly love. Ascend the adjoining Torre Grossa, the tallest tower in town at 54 meters, for breathtaking panoramic views of the medieval skyline and the rolling Tuscan hills. Together, these landmarks offer a glimpse into San Gimignano's rich history, political ambition, and artistic pride.
Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta
Step inside the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta in San Gimignano, a Romanesque treasure with a breathtaking interior concealed behind its plain stone façade. Constructed in the 12th century, this cathedral is famed for its vivid fresco cycles, covering nearly every wall with scenes from The Last Judgment and the Old and New Testaments, painted by masters like Bartolo di Fredi and Taddeo di Bartolo. Experience the nave's dramatic setting, complete with striped arches and richly decorated chapels, capturing the spiritual and artistic energy of medieval Tuscany. It's an essential destination for art and architecture aficionados.
Torri dei Salvucci
Marvel at the Torri dei Salvucci, twin medieval towers in San Gimignano, erected by the influential Salvucci family to symbolize their wealth and power. Originally among the tallest in town, they were later shortened due to height restrictions. Today, one tower is open to visitors, offering a climb of 143 steps and panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape. A striking reminder of the city's towering ambitions and noble pride, they offer an engaging glimpse into the competitive spirit of the era.
Via San Matteo
Wander through Via San Matteo, one of San Gimignano’s principal medieval streets, lined with historic stone buildings, artisan shops, and homes. Stretching from Porta San Matteo towards the town center, it follows the ancient pilgrim route of the Via Francigena. Experience the feeling of stepping back into the 13th century as you explore the town's daily rhythms and timeless charm, with towering structures above and quiet courtyards tucked between storefronts.
Rocca di Montestaffoli
Ascend to the Rocca di Montestaffoli, the ruined fortress that crowns San Gimignano’s highest point. Built in the 14th century by the Florentines, it once served as the town's guardian but was largely dismantled in later centuries. Today, its remaining walls and tower offer expansive views of the Tuscan countryside and San Gimignano's iconic towers. A serene location, often hosting festivals and concerts, where history, nature, and panoramic landscapes converge above the rooftops of San Gimignano.
Know Before You Go
This audio tour includes an offline map, one-year access in your chosen language, and an audio guide app for both iPhone and Android. It also provides illustrations to help you recognize landmarks and 14 audio recordings narrated by a professional historian. It does not include an in-person tour guide, your smartphone and headphones, entry tickets to attractions, transportation, or food and drinks. Meet at Porta San Giovanni to start your adventure!
Hot Tip
Download the audio tour before you go so you can use it even without internet. Bring headphones to make the most of the audio experience. Take your time at each stop to enjoy the stories and explore the area. It is best to start early in the morning to avoid crowds.
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