San Gimignano holds its fame in Tuscany due to its numerous towers that form a skyline that can be seen for miles from the surrounding towns and countryside. Most of the towers are constructed during the Medieval Age and a lot of Gothic and Romanesque architecture can also be found here. The town itself, developed from a small Etruscan village into a prospering commune but it was in the 12th century that the town gained its claim to fame. The history of the origin of the towers is interesting. A dispute started between two economically powerful families living in San Gimignano, namely the Guelphs and Ghibellines. As a result of this rivalry, each family built better and higher towers to show its economical stability and power. Building towers in medieval times cost a lot more than the construction of other buildings and as a lot of labor and material was used, only the economically strong could afford it. Hence, this was one of the only ways available to the two families to make their wealth more prominent. By the end of the Medieval Era, the two families had started a trend and every wealthy family built its own tower, resulting in a total of 72 towers in all. In 1255 a law was passed that no tower could be built higher than the Torre Rognosa, which was located beside the Palazzo Comunale and was the highest tower of that time. The passing of the law finally led to an end to the long rivalry. Although many of the towers were cut down over the years or destroyed during the Second World War, some records state that 14 towers are still standing within the city of San Gimignano. Some of the more significant ones are, Campanile della Collegiata (Bell tower of the Collegiate), Torri dei Salvucci, Torre Chigi, Torri degli Ardinghelli......Among these towers, the oldest one is the Rognosa Tower that stands at a height of 51 meters. However, the highest tower built in San Gimignano, is the Torre Grossa that was built in the 14th century and boasts a height of 54 meters.

The tower is a highlight of San Gimignano. It gets busy so go early or late and avoid weekends. The stair case has rolling visual display that you either love or find vertigo inducing, as are the perforated steel stairs and ladder at the top! The stunning views are well worth it, so stay a while. Bit of a selfie hot spot!

San Gimignano Bell Tower is the highest tower in this great medieval town, located in Tuscany Region. It is located in the center of the old town, close to Piazza dei Duomo (Cathedral Square). In fact you can see it from the old town or from far of the town on road, because is the highest tower. We visited it in August-2019 with my 3 years old daughter. We go up and see the some expositions about the history of the tower and the town. It is very interesting and also there is some videos to learn a lot. When you arrive at top, you can see wonderful views of the old town and surroundings. Really incredible! Also my daughter enjoyed a lot with go up and down stairs and seeing views, so a very recommendable visit! Top in Tuscany and in Europe!

A high hill charming town with cosy atmosphere and nice shopping. But - eat at lunch at Sovestro hotel restaurant (call and book before) - you will regret if not. High class food and service to reasonable prices enjoying stunning views.

The whole visit was brilliant.. we visited all the named site's but the best one for me was to walk round the small path at the side of the wall .We found a little seat looking out over the fantastic country side. The farm land . Buildings and Valleys were breathtaking. I could have stayed forever in that spot. Magic.

Climbing all those stairs was really worth it, and a bit fun, since they never seemed to end. The views are impressive. A no go if you have heart issues, but otherwise it's a must-see if you are visiting the city. The museum is also very interesting.

A charming walled city with amazing views to be had from one of the 13 towers that remain from the original 72 built. A beautiful city to wander through and explore. Parking can be difficult so we had a taxi take us from our farm accommodation rather than battle to find a park. This stress free tactic set the tone for a fabulous day. Heaps to explore and see and don't miss the chance to climb the tower for the amazing views across the whole area. Not a hard climb and well worth the effort - a must do if in San Gimi! That said if you cant bring yourself to face the climb there are a few lovely spots where there are great views within beautiful garden areas.

Spectacular views of the towers and the surrounding countryside. Almost fell from one of the ramparts for a "punto panoramico".....ask me I will tell you about it.

The view from the bell tower is probably the best in town. The walk up the steps may possibly be quite harsh but it's worth enough: the view is indeed stunning and marvellous.

We are 76 and 77 and last year we did the Bell Tower in the Cathedral in Seville which is 39 levels. When we got to the Tower of Pisa which some tourists don't realise was built as the Bell Tower for the Pisa Cathedral (some distance away) we didn't climb that either. You can experience this Bell Tower without climbing it because you are surrounded by the medieval town, although if I were 10 years younger, yes I would have climbed it for the view. The view from the wall next to the elevator going down to the P3/P4 parking lot isn't too shabby either, and its free.