A wonderful country that leaves an indelible mark onthe soul of everyone who has ever visited it, is known for its color and originality. Charming Italy, which guarantees everyone an exciting adventure, does not complain about the lack of attention of foreign tourists.
A small town, protected by UNESCO, welcomes travelers all year round, who are delighted at the sight of unique architectural monuments and picturesque nature.
A real treasure trove, storing manyis located in the famous Tuscany region. San Gimignano (Italy), which tourists compare with miniature Manhattan during the Middle Ages, rises on a hill that has risen more than 300 meters above the valley of the river Elsa.
From a small village founded by the Etruscans toAD, the main decoration of Tuscany has turned into an economically developed city, which gained independence in the XII century. From this moment, a long period of prosperity begins due to the trade in wine and spices. Around the village grows fortified walls with a length of more than two thousand meters. To strengthen their protective functions, the construction of towers begins.
Именно в этот период в населенном пункте правят two influential families that have become competitors. They competed among themselves, figuring out who has more power and money, building up the territory with powerful towers that have always been higher than those of the opponents. Every year, San Gimignano in Italy overgrew with new facilities. And only the decree of the local city council forbade the erection of "skyscrapers", which exceed the height of the main palace.
In the middle of the 14th century in San Gimignano comesa terrible disaster, and half of the inhabitants die from the plague. Weakened by the terrible loss, he falls under the influence of Florence and is forced to submit to her rule. No development takes place until the XIX century, when the city, which preserved its medieval appearance, acquires the status of a tourist center in Italy.
This area is characterized by subtropicalclimate with hot summers and cool winters, snowless, but accompanied by precipitation. The weather in San Gimignano (Italy) is perfect for getting to know him.
Dry summer like tourists dreaminggo out and across the miniature town. Sometimes the heat reaches 40 ° C, but because of the low humidity it is transferred very easily. However, the best period for visiting the pearl of Tuscany is spring.
Old town, recognized prideTuscany, and to this day retains the appeal of the past era. Surrounded by high walls with five gates, it is as if created for traveling. It is no coincidence that every year it receives about two million people who want to touch the ancient history, the glorious San Gimignano - the city of one hundred towers (Italy), which have become its hallmark.
"Skyscrapers of the Middle Ages", which are the mainits property, like magnets attract tourists, immersed in the atmosphere of antiquity. It is the glory and pride of the small San Gimignano, whose inhabitants remember their history. Aspiring towers in the sky, giving a unique charm, dominate the surrounding landscape and define the external appearance of a thriving tourist center.
Of the 72 buildings built, only 14 were well preserved and reached the descendants, but their height was reduced almost twofold.
San Gimignano (Italy), attractionswhich is preserved the spirit of the past, is a small city, and therefore with curious monuments located nearby, you can get acquainted for several hours. To get a better understanding of the Tuscan pearl, it is worth to visit the historical center, which transfers to the present Middle Ages. You can only walk on it.
The Romantic Della Square is one ofthe oldest in the city. Many centuries ago there was a reservoir that supplied the entire city with water. And now in its very center you can see a deep well, which gave the name of the square. Piazza della Cisterna, surrounded by towers, the tops of which were cut, smoothly flows into Piazza del Duomo, famous for the city's cathedral.
Коллегиальная церковь была построена в XI веке.After several renovations, the area of the building has increased significantly. The Cathedral is the main monument of Romanesque architecture. Its luxurious interior amazes even a lot of tourists. Multi-colored murals depicting scenes on religious themes, wooden statues made by famous Italian masters. The church houses one of the treasures of the Renaissance - the chapel of St. Fina, whose walls were painted by the Florentine artist Domenico Ghirlandaio. Under her altar rests a girl who died at the age of 15 years.
Cathedral Square is famous for another interestingconstruction - a three-tiered Palazzo Comunale. The People’s Palace was built at the end of the 13th century, after which it was expanded several times. Now it houses a city museum, the exhibits of which will introduce Florentine art.
In the north of the city of San Gimignano (Italy)The Sant 'Agostino brick church, which appeared at the end of the 13th century, is located. Built in a mixed style, it attracts with its stern, almost ascetic facade and gothic windows. represent a cultural value.
Любители острых ощущений обязательно посещают Torture Museum, where you can see the most terrible invention of the Inquisition. This is not a very pleasant place, the atmosphere of which corresponds to the name. Impressive and nervous people, as well as children, should be avoided by his side.
More than a hundred devices are collected from all over Europe.The Middle Ages, in which residents suspected of witchcraft, were subjected to terrible torture. Tools designed to inflict pain cause sympathy for their unfortunate victims.
The area around the wonderful town, famousits architecture, covered with vineyards, and in the territory of San Gimignano (Tuscany, Italy) produce the famous white wine - Vernaccia. Vernaccia, which is mentioned in Dante's Divine Comedy, can be tasted in a unique museum. The collection of sparkling drinks is exhibited in a fortress located on a hill, and visitors enjoy not only amazing taste, but also wonderful views that open from the observation deck.
As they say holidaymakers who have been otherwisemeasurement, to return to reality is very difficult. A wonderful city that preserves the special atmosphere and attractiveness of the Middle Ages, remained in its original form, which can not but surprise.
Tourists strolling through the pleasant streets do not feel tired at all, and the real impressions exceed all expectations. Journey to the old tale does not leave anyone indifferent.
This is a miniature tourist center,numbering about seven thousand people, but its narrow streets all year round is filled with a huge number of travelers from different countries enjoying the beauty of the architectural heritage. Charming San Gimignano (Italy), created for walking, is famous for its hospitable people, welcoming all foreigners.