Country House Nazzano is 10 km from San Gimignano
San Gimignano
is an ancient fortified medieval village whose walls date back to the year one thousand. It is famous for its historical and artistic heritage and its architecture, especially its towers. In 1990 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its local products are also very appreciated, including saffron and white Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine.
In spring the Tuscan countryside is spectacular, in the summer the village comes alive with cultural and artistic events. In June there is the Fierie delle Messi, a historical re-enactment of a medieval festival in honor of the fertility of the land.
The medieval city is surrounded by walls. The village is accessed through various gates: Porta San Matteo, Porta San Giovanni, Porta Quercecchio, Porta San Jacopo and Porta delle Fonti. The center is pedestrian and cars must be left just outside the walls. You can reach the village also by public transport.
The historic center of San Gimignano, offers medieval masterpieces including the famous towers that still stand out on its panorama and which have earned it the definition of "Manhattan of the Middle Ages". Of the 72 towers today there remain 16, the oldest is Torre Rognosa, 51 meters high, and the highest is Torre del Podestà of 54 m. The heart of the town is Piazza del Duomo, full of buildings and palaces such as Palazzo Vecchio del Podestà and the Palazzo Comunale also called Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo della Propositura, the headquarters of the Archive of the Opera with important 15th century manuscripts. The Duomo, on the other hand, preserves valuable works by great Tuscan artists.
Walk along the city perimeter, the Walk of the Walls, city walls from the 13th century, from where you can enjoy the whole view of Val d'Elsa. At Rocca di Montestaffoli concerts, art exhibitions and performances are organized, especially in summer.
A few kilometers from the medieval town is the natural reserve of Castelvecchio, a large wooded area rich in Mediterranean flora. In the reserve are the archaeological ruins of Castelvecchio, the fortress of Etruscan origin a few steps from San Donato. The view from the lookout tower sweeps over the valley. Many trekking routes with medium difficulty within this reserve.
