There probably won't be any rhyme or reason to what I pick-n-choose for posting on our Italy tour apart from what I already have, so just go with the flow, if you don't mind.
It so happens that San Gimignano was surely my biggest surprise of the trip, so it actually does make sense to start there.
It was the same day as our Siena visit (Saturday, 6 April), just 42 km apart, and because both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, I suppose it made sense to include both. And good thing it did because I had not recalled hearing of it before.
San Gimignano is a small, walled Medieval town with ca. 8K people.
It's known not only for it's architecture but for its well-preserved 14 towers, never destroyed by war.
Upon entering the main portal, you feel immediately taken back to another time.
It doesn't take long before you see tower after tower all around you.
It's magical.
Layer upon layer of history before your very eyes...
...even without towers in view.
And because such a place caters to tourists, wares are out all along the way.
Store fronts stand wide open...
...while some products are even outside, hanging on the wall for sale.
Two ice cream stores in city center vie for honors as being the best in the world.
We had the "best" before realizing the "champion" was what we should have had,
according to celebrities who frequent the place.
But did we care? Of course not.
It was nice to have free time to wander the town on our own.
We weren't the only ones!
A side alley took us to a scenic view, overlooking the Tuscan landscape (top-left).
Who can resist that!
Looking down over the wall, life goes on for the inhabitants.
Inside the walls, too.
Once we returned home we wanted to see Tea with Mussolini again, from 1999.
To our great surprise, we both had forgotten that San Gimignano was in the movie,
even though set in Florence, 57 km away, in the beginning.
If you haven't seen it, I recommend it.
THIS is San Gimignano, as seen from afar.
(credit to Trip Advisor/DriverinRome Transportation & Tours)
See what I mean? It's almost too good to be true!
I can only imagine living in such a gorgeous place with history at every turn. I wonder if the people there ever take it for granted?
ReplyDeleteI think people all over the world take for granted where they live, Marie, but hopefully most of them have their wake-up moments when they pinch themselves!
DeleteThis was a hidden treasure and I sure would have wanted to stay a little longer to have a look into the church. They did a great job to have the town as it was in medieval times and keep it well restored. I love the picture you took. And yes about the ice-cream, I would not know the difference...what we had was good..... HA... It was fun to see the movie again and the city again. IHVJ.
ReplyDeleteA hidden treasure, indeed, Astrid! So many people talk about nearby Siena but I had never heard of San Gimignano. In my estimation, there's no comparison between the two. But then, I think I prefer the smaller towns/cities. Thank you.
DeleteA wonder of extraordinary history and beauty. Wow. Do you suppose movies are filmed here? Like Game of Thrones? :)
ReplyDeleteSo I Googled your question, Ruth, and discovered that besides Tea with Mussolini, 19 other movies have been filmed there! Game of Thrones is not one of them...but IS often filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where we plan to go next year. :)
Delete... I mean medieval ones ...
ReplyDeleteAhhhhh. Well, here's the list, many of which are in Italian: https://www.imdb.com/search/title?locations=San%20Gimignano,%20Siena,%20Tuscany,%20Italy
Deletei just love this story of the tiny hamlet that survived all wars!!
ReplyDeletethank you for taking me there!
For Europe, Elaine, that is truly saying a lot!!! Thank you.
DeleteUnfortunately, I remember this place too well. It is where we failed to sind our driver after exploring town and quarreled with our travel companions over the error. I’ll never forget those towers. It was all as you described except for the wasted hours looking for our driver that spoiled it all. Glad yo hear your visit was better.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry your memory of this incredible town was spoiled, Ted, but at least you can attest to its UNESCO right!
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