Florence to San Gimignano: Three Options for a Day Trip
It’s a great idea to travel from Florence to San Gimignano, which is close in proximity, and easy to get to!
San Gimignano is a medieval town in Tuscany, known for its towers, cobblestone streets, and Italian countryside views. It attracts crowds of tourists, who love the history of the town and its quaint shops and restaurants.
San Gimignano has the nickname “the Medieval Manhattan” due to its skyline made of medieval tower houses at the top of a hill. More than a dozen have been preserved, and the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I’ll explain your three options if you’re looking to travel from Florence to San Gimignano:
- Take a guided tour.
- Rent a car and drive.
- Take a combination of the train and a bus.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll pass through the picturesque Tuscan countryside, with its hilltop villages, vineyards, and olive groves.
If you’re looking to rent a car and drive, I usually use Discover Cars in Europe. They feature the big, internationally-known brands, along with smaller local car rental companies in each country. In Florence, for example, Sicily by Car is an excellent company to rent from.
Tours: Florence to San Gimignano
Whether you’re looking for an expert guide or you’d rather leave the driving and logistics to someone else, a tour from Florence to San Gimignano is a great idea.
These are the top tours, each with excellent reviews:
➡️ Click to Book: (Group Tour) Florence to San Gimignano & Siena
➡️ Click to Book: (Private Tour) Florence to San Gimignano & Siena
Where to Stay in San Gimignano
You may be so mesmerized by the charm of San Gimignano that you’d like to spend a night or two in town. There are a few hotel and rental options available here.
You can use this interactive map to plug your dates in and check rates and availabilities of both hotels and VRBOs in San Gimignano:
Drive from Florence to San Gimignano
Driving in Italy is fairly easy, and even enjoyable once you escape the city limits.
➡️ Click for Florence Rental Cars
I’d consider renting a car from either the airport or the main train station in Florence (Firenze Santa Maria Novella).
The drive from Florence to San Gimignano takes just over an hour, and is relatively straightforward.
There are a few route options available, but taking the Firenze-Siena highway (Siena-Firenze, or SR2) toward Siena is the most popular.
As you head south, you’ll drive through the rolling hills of Tuscany, and likely be persuaded to pull off at a winery or other shop along the way.
Take the exit for Poggibonsi Nord when you approach Poggibonsi. From there, follow the signs for San Gimignano.
You’ll wind through Poggibonsi, as you make your way up to town. You’ll find parking lots available outside San Gimignano’s historic center.
The Train from Florence to San Gimignano
There is no direct train from Florence to San Gimignano, but the rail system will get you most of the way there!
I’ve been using Trainline to book trains in Europe. It’s simple to search, and avoids the kiosks in the train stations. They send you a QR code to your text and email, which you have scanned at the station to board.
From Firenze Santa Maria Novella (the main train station in Florence) you’ll head to Poggibonsi. The trains in that direction usually leave about once an hour.
It’ll be about 9 Euros each way, on the Trenitalia line.
You’ll be taking a regional train, which will make several stops along the way. The train ride to Poggibonsi from Florence will take about 90 minutes.
The Bus to San Gimignano
Once you’re in Poggibonsi, you can look for a taxi right outside the train station. The base rate is 35 Euros for the driver to take your group up to San Gimignano.
It’s never a guarantee that a taxi will be parked and waiting at the station.
Alternatively, you can buy a bus ticket for 3 Euros to take you up to the town.
Bus 130 will leave from a stop just outside the train station. The person who sells you the ticket inside can direct you to the right curb.
The buses usually leave every 20 to 30 minutes, and the ride is about 25 minutes.
10 Things to Do in San Gimignano
You really don’t need a list of things to do in San Gimignano, because you’ll discover all there is by strolling along the cobblestone streets on your own.
You can take a tour from a knowledgeable local about the history.
Here are a few things you can expect when you visit:
- Climb the Towers: Medieval towers rise above Sam Gimignano. Not all are accessible, but several allow you to climb the stairs to check out the views from the top.
- Piazza della Cisterna: The main square, Piazza della Cisterna, is surrounded by medieval buildings and features the central well (cistern).
- The Duomo and Baptistery: Visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo), famous for its frescoes, along with the nearby Baptistery.
4. Art Galleries and Museums: San Gimignano is home to a few art galleries and museums, including the Civic Museum and Galleria Gagliardi. They’re home to a mix of art and medieval artifacts.
5. Wine Tasting: Check out the local vineyards or enotecas (wine shops) to sample Vernaccia di San Gimignano, the town’s white wine, along with other Tuscan varietals.
6. Cheese: You’ll walk by several cheese shops, selling hunks of Italian cheeses. Many of them will have the cheeses nicely packaged for travel (vacuum-packed, without a smell).
7. Gelato: There are several gelato spots to stop in.
8. Rocca di Montestaffoli: Climb up to the ruins of Rocca di Montestaffoli for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and town. It’s a great spot for a picnic or to watch the sunset.
9. Artisan Shops and Crafts: Wander through artisan workshops and shops offering pottery, ceramics, handcrafted goods, and souvenirs.
10. Festivals and Events: Check the calendar for local events or festivals celebrating San Gimignano’s heritage, like medieval fairs, concerts, or exhibits.
PRO TIP for CHOCOLATE LOVERS: Don’t miss Nino & Friends! The chocolate waterfall greets you at the door, and the staff will shower you with free samples of their delectable treats!
San Gimignano to Florence
If you’re driving yourself, consider an alternate route back from San Gimignano to Florence, which will take you to buy additional wineries and vineyards.
The Bus from San Gimignano
To leave San Gimignano and return to Florence, buy a bus ticket from the Tabacchi (tobacco and souvenir shop) right on the main street in San Gimignano.
Save the address: Via S. Giovanni, 59, 53037 San Gimignano
It’ll be another 3 Euro fare for bus #130, which you’ll pick up just outside the main gates of San Gimignano.
Check the Trenitalia website or app for train schedules, or just head to the station in Poggibonsi and wait for the next train heading north toward Florence (Firenze).
Again, check the total route, since some will require changing trains in Empoli.
Either way, you’ll be back to Florence in under 2 hours!
Wineries Near San Gimignano
Tuscany’s landscape is dotted with wineries and vineyards, offering tastings and tours!
Here are four of the best wineries close to San Gimignano:
Fattoria San Donato
- Location: About a 10 to 15-minute drive from San Gimignano.
- Offerings: Produces Chianti wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and other Tuscan varietals.
- Activities: Offers wine tastings, plus tours of the vineyards and cellars.
- Website: https://www.torciano.com/en/
Tenuta Torciano
- Location: About 15 minutes north of San Gimignano by car.
- Offerings: Known for their Chianti, Brunello, and Supertuscan wines.
- Activities: Provides wine tastings and culinary experiences, including wine-pairing sessions with Tuscan dishes.
- Website: https://www.torciano.com/en/
Sovestro in Poggio Winery
- Location: Close to San Gimignano.
- Offerings: Produces Vernaccia di San Gimignano and other Tuscan wines.
- Activities: Offers guided tours of the vineyards and wine tastings, often combined with food pairings.
- Website: https://www.tenutasovestro.com/en/
Podere La Marronaia
- Location: Right near San Gimignano.
- Offerings: Specializes in organic wines, including Vernaccia and Chianti.
- Activities: Offers tours of the vineyards, wine tastings, and often includes tours of their olive groves.
- Website: https://www.marronaia.com/
History of San Gimignano
San Gimignano’s history is steeped in medieval commerce, art, and the rivalry between prominent families.
Here’s a brief overview:
Early History:
- San Gimignano’s history dates back to Etruscan times, around the 3rd Century BC.
- The site was likely inhabited even earlier by the Etruscans, but substantial settlements and fortifications began to emerge during the medieval period.
- The town itself began to take shape around the 10th century when it was originally established as a small village.
- Over time, it grew in importance due to its location along a pilgrimage route and its agricultural prosperity, especially in wine and saffron production.
Medieval Times and Towers:
- San Gimignano developed as a fortified town in the Middle Ages, strategically positioned on the trade routes between Florence and Rome.
- It gained autonomy as a free commune in the 12th century.
- The town’s skyline became famous for its towers, initially built by noble families as symbols of wealth, power, and defense.
- At its peak, San Gimignano boasted around 72 towers, but today only 14 of them remain.
Civic Rivalries and Decline:
- The town was deeply divided between the supporters of the Pope and the supporters of the Holy Roman Emperor, leading to internal conflicts and power struggles among rival families.
- San Gimignano faced economic decline in the 14th century due to various factors, including the Black Death, political instability, and changes in trade routes.
Renaissance and Preservation:
- San Gimignano saw a decline in its political and economic importance during the Renaissance.
- While many towers were demolished or reduced in height during the Renaissance, some were preserved.
Modern Era:
- In the 19th and 20th centuries, efforts were made to preserve San Gimignano’s medieval heritage. The town was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its exceptional preservation of medieval architecture.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
San Gimignano was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, due to its preservation of medieval architecture and urban layout. The town’s streets, buildings, and towers offer a glimpse into the architectural and historical heritage of the Middle Ages.
Reasons for UNESCO Designation:
- Medieval Urban Ensemble: San Gimignano’s layout, characterized by its intact medieval walls, towers, streets, and squares, showcases a remarkably well-preserved example of a medieval urban center.
- Towers: The town’s skyline, adorned with medieval towers, is a unique feature. While not all original towers remain, those that have survived contribute to the town’s distinctive silhouette and historical charm.
- Cultural Heritage: The town’s cultural significance extends beyond its architectural elements. Its history, art, and cultural heritage, including frescoes, artworks, and historical records, further contributed to its recognition by UNESCO.
- Touristic and Educational Value: San Gimignano’s status as a UNESCO site not only acknowledges its historical importance but also promotes its tourism and educational value. It attracts visitors, scholars, and enthusiasts interested in medieval history and architecture.
Importance of the Designation:
- Preservation: The UNESCO designation underscores the importance of preserving and safeguarding San Gimignano’s architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.
- Promotion of Heritage: It also highlights the town’s significance on an international platform, encouraging conservation efforts, responsible tourism, and appreciation for its historical value.
FAQs About Going from Florence to San Gimignano
Let’s tackle a few final frequently-asked-questions about going from Florence to San Gimignano. Many of these have already been answered above.
Is there a train to San Gimignano?
There’s no direct train service to San Gimignano from Florence or any other origin. The closest train station is in Poggiobonsi.
From there, it’s a 25-minute bus ride up to San Gimignano.
Can you do San Gimignano and Siena in a day?
If you’re renting a car and driving yourself, you can certainly visit both historic towns in a single day.
Siena is only about 45 minutes from San Gimignano (depending on traffic).
Is San Gimignano in Tuscany?
Yes, San Gimignano is indeed located in the region of Tuscany, Italy. It’s situated in the province of Siena in central Italy. Tuscany is renowned for its rolling hills, vineyards, historic cities, and charming hilltop towns. San Gimignano, with its medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved heritage, is one of the gems within the Tuscan landscape.
Wrap: Is it Worth Going to San Gimignano from Florence?
Without a doubt, a trip to San Gimignano will be a highlight of your visit to the Tuscany region of Italy!
In addition to exploring the city’s medieval past and the shopping opportunities, the beauty of the area is worth the trip alone.
If you like San Gimignano, consider other day trips to more hilltop villages closer to Rome, like Orvieto and Assisi!
