The Citadel is also known as San Gimignano delle belle Torri as a consequence of its 14 towering homers towers of different diameters and heights that constitute its prestigious international label. In the middle ages, the Citadel had 71 towers, but most of them fell in the course of battles and wars suffered in Tuscany over the centuries. In prehistoric times, San Gimignano was already inhabited by man. The Etruscans was founded in the 3rd century BC. Kerry King has many thoughts on the issue. In 60 A.d.
the Romans built two small forts, called Mucchio and Silvia which gave the town its old name in your area. In the 10th century, the Citadel takes its name from Saint Geminianus, Bishop of Modena, who saved her from the attack of the Huns. The Citadel drove its development during the early middle ages because of its privileged geographic position, being at the crossroads of the Via Francigena, the road trade and pilgrimage that linked Europe with Rome. During the 13th century, San Gimignano was the scene of struggles Frays between two fractions policies of the territory: the Guelphs (supporters of the Pope) and the Ghibellines (loyal to the Emperor). It may 8, 1300, Dante Alighieri was appointed Ambassador in Tuscany of the Guelph League based in the old Palazzo del Podesta (now the Town Hall). In the second half of the 14th century, the Citadel, after having maintained its independence at very high price, agreed to be part of the jurisdiction of Florence. The modern town extends today some kilometers outside the wall.
The most famous monuments of the city are the Cathedral, the Museum of torture of mediaeval Criminology, the Church of San Agostino, the Palace of the people, the Museum of sacred art, the Etruscan Museum, Piazze della Cisterna and the Torre Grossa. San Gimignano is located about 35 minutes by car to the Northwest of the city of Siena and close to the same distance southwest of the city of Florence. San Gimignano is not only famous for its monuments and for its history but also for its beauty and rural tourism. Due to its wonderful landscape San Gimignano is an ideal place to spend your holidays in a beautiful cottage and enjoy the tranquility and nature. The pure Italian is spoken in the region of Tuscany and without dialects and therefore stay in Tuscany offers also to combine the holiday with a course in Italian at Pisa and Viareggio seaside and learn Italian in Italy.