the thirteen towers that dominate san gimignano's majestic skyline were built by rival noble families during the 12th and 13th centuries, when the town's position, on the main pilgrim route from northern europe to rome, brought it great prosperity.
the plague of 1348, and later the diversion of the pilgrim route, led to its economic decline as well as its preservation.
street by street it remains mostly medieval. for a small town, san gimignano is rich in works of art, good shop and restaurants.

sights at a glance:
collegiata;
palazzo del popolo;
the annunciation by ghirlandaio;
piazza della cisterna;
the museo civico;