San Gimignano Walking Tour - Part II: Piazza Duomo and Rocca di Montestaffoli

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Slideshow | Lightbox (152) Tags: history italy san-gimignano scenic-place tourist-attraction tuscany Posted: Dec. 5, 2010 by Serge

We are on piazza Duomo. From left to right: Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), Torre Grossa (Big Tower) and Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (also known as Collegiata).

Click on map to enlarge. Our itinerary described in Part I of our tour
starts at Porta San Matteo (top right on the map) and continues through via San
Matteo to Piazza Sant'Agostino. After visiting the church of
Sant'Agostino, we move back to via San Matteo and continue to Piazza
Duomo. After that we visit the medieval fortress Rocca di Montestaffoli.

Click on map to enlarge. In Part II we continue our exploration of San Gimignano where we stopped in Part I - on piazza Duomo. However, this time we simply look at the square and buildings located there and continue walking around Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (also known as Collegiata). Our goal to rich Rocca di Montestaffoli, a medieval fortress, and explore what remains of it. After that we return back to Piazza Duomo to visit museums and and other places of interest located on the square (see Part III of our San Gimignano Walking Tour).

We continue the exploration of San Gimignano, a charming Tuscan medieval hill town. In Part I we started our walking tour with entering the town through its northern gate, porta San Matteo, and gradually getting to piazza Duomo. Several very popular attractions are located on the square. However, in Part II of the tour, we limit our exploration of piazza Duomo by looking at surrounding palaces and their architecture. Then, we turn left and continue walking around Collegiata up the hill to visit the town's fortress.

In no time, the remnants of Rocca di Montestaffoli (build in 14th century and partially dismantle in 16th century) show up. The fortress is small and there is not much to see inside it. However, the views from its only remaining tower are superb. Take you time to enjoy picturesque Tuscan landscape.

Once you are done, consider visiting a small wine museum located not far from the main gate to the fortress. As far as I am concerned, this museum is more a marketing ploy to sell locally produced wine. But even if it's true - why not to relax in museum's bar sipping wine and enjoying view? Or, if you feel hungry, it may be time to have a sandwich. In Part III, we are going to return back to piazza Duomo and visit its museums and attractions.

Piazza Duomo at night (about 11 PM). Note that the square is empty - no tourist.

Piazza Duomo (San Gimignano, Italy), view on Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall).

Piazza Duomo (San Gimignano, Italy). The beginning of Via San Matteo is in the background center.

Piazza Duomo (San Gimignano, Italy). View on Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà (Old Podesta's Palace) and La Torre Rognosa, also known as Torre dell'Orologio or Torre del Podestà. La Torre Chigi (Tower Chigi) is on the left. Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà was converted to a theater (Teatro dei Leggieri).

This large arch (shown from inside) is a part of Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà and it leads the way to the Theater of Leggieri.	Street musicians on steps in front of Collegiata.	This square is on the right side of Collegiata - some think it is still piazza Duomo. Officially, its name is Piazza delle Erbe.	One of the things on Piazza delle Erbe is Art Gallery Keramos - I think the most interesting art gallery in San Gimignano, Italy.
Le torri dei Salvucci on piazza delle Erbe adjacent to piazza Duomo. At the time, Salvucci was the most powerful family in San Gimignano.	Local artisans on Piazza delle Erbe (San Gimignano, Italy)	From Piazza delle Erbe it is easy to get to La Rocca di Montestaffoli (see other pictures for more details)	While going up to La Rocca, interesting views are opening up on San Gimignano, Italy. Standing on Piazza Duomo (which is probably not more than one hundred yards from this point), one would never think that the soccer field can be in the middle of town.
Via della Rocca is the way to reach the fortress from Piazza delle Erbe. Do not worry, it takes not more than five minutes to do.	These is not much left of Rocca di Montestaffoli - a medieval fortress in San Gimignano, Italy, dating from 1353. One of its remaining bastions is an excellent observation point attracting tourists.	Rocca di Montestaffoli is a quiet and rather romantic place. I am not surprised it attracts street performers - in this case Giuditta Scorcelletti and Alessandro Bongi. Giuditta has an excellent voice and both are talented musicians.	Inside defensive walls of Rocca di Montestaffoli (San Gimignano, Italy).
Tuscan landscape as viewed from Rocca di Montestaffoli (San Gimignano, Italy).	Other than this olive garden there is nothing else inside the fortress La Rocca di Montestaffoli (San Gimignano, Italy).	On the right side of the photo (see that small arch) is the main entrance to Rocca di Montestaffoli. The building in the middle is Museo dell Vino (Museum of Wine). In reality it is more of a bar or cafe than museum.	Inside Museo dell Vino (Museum of Wine) in San Gimignano, Italy
From the steps in front of Palazzo Comunale - the arch you see leads to the court with entrances to Collegiata and Museo D'Arte Sacra (Museum of Religious Art).