San Gimignano Property

San Gimignano is an historical, walled city in Tuscany, Italy, widely known for its medieval architecture, unique towers and one of the finest wines in all of the country.

So small that one cannot drive within its historical walls, the town is nonetheless bursting with character and our extensive collection of San Gimignano property is in high demand. Situated on the top of a hill, this medieval fort town offers incredible views over the rolling Elsa valley, studded with olive groves and vineyards - a fine snapshot of Tuscany. Situated halfway between Pisa and Siena, one could not ask for a more prime location.

San Gimignano's defining feature is, by far, its monumental towers that one can see on the horizon from many kilometres away. Built by merchant and banker families in a spree of one-upmanship, these towers once dominated the town's skyline even more than they do now. At their peak, there were seventy-two towers compared to today's fourteen; most were demolished as a result of power squabbles until only the ones we see today remain. Some of the towers have been converted into stylish modern apartments, making them some of the most prestigious and expensive San Gimignano property.

The town was founded in the 3rd Century BC by the Etruscans as a small village, and was named Silvia when the Romans settled. San Gimignano derives its name from Saint Geminianus, the bishop of Modena, who protected the town from invading Huns. The Middle Ages saw the town's prosperity as a waypoint for pilgrims on the way to Rome and has hosted several prominent figures in history, such as Sigerico, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who walked its roads on the way to England from Rome. In 1199, San Gimignano became independent from the bishops of Volterra, though it was conquered by the Florentine Guelfs, who tore the walls down, though they were rebuilt in 1261 when the Ghibellines regained power. These are the walls that remain.

Owners of San Gimignano property and travellers alike have described the town as having a unique atmosphere as a centre of culture and has been home to lovers of art for centuries. The Palazzo Comunale contains works from the Florentine and Sienese schools of art, including those of Il Sodoma, Coppo di Marcovaldo, Filippino Lippi and Lippo Memmi, in the form of Gothic altarpieces and gorgeous frescoes. The town itself is a work of medieval art, having been faithfully preserved, bereft of heavy modernisation, earning its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town's famous wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, is a dry, crisp white that is renowned around the world. Its reputation grew in the Renaissance and has remained a near-constant favourite among wine lovers, experiencing a resurgence in popularity in the 1960s; one is sure to find it in most San Gimignano property, where it is considered a simple, stellar everyday choice.

Interestingly, Vernaccia di San Gimignano was immortalised in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy (Purgatorio XXIV), where Pope Martin IV ate Bolsena Eels pickled in the popular wine. In 1300, Alighieri, as Guelph League Ambassador to Tuscany, was hosted by the town.

During the day, San Gimignano offers a beautiful, unique town to explore from your property. Built in true medieval style with narrow, curved streets, one can wander away from tourists and soak in the marvels of architecture. Hidden in the arches and corridors are small cafes that the locals keep secret, privy to only those that seek them out. There are several paths for one to walk, including a scenic route around the outside of the town's walls that offers incredible views over the Elsa valley. Thursdays bring the bustling markets on the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Cisterna, where one can find an array of fresh produce, goods, exclusive wines and handmade crafts.

Once the tourists have left in the evening, the town streets are a tranquil, peaceful place; the nightlife of San Gimignano is quiet, offering select intimate lounge bars and restaurants to discover, perfect for a drink and a meal once the sun has gone down.

If you seek a town with classic sensibilities, breath-taking scenery and a personality that cannot be matched by anywhere else in the world, look no further than San Gimignano property.

San Gimignano Property

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San Gimignano Castle For Sale - 5,500,000 EUR

San Gimignano Farmhouse For Sale - 3,400,000 EUR

San Gimignano Villa For Sale - 2,550,000 EUR

Farmhouse For Sale San Gimignano - 1,650,000 EUR

House in Near Gimignano, Siena for sale with 4,046m2 of land - 1,650,000 EUR

House in Between Volterra and San Gimignano, Siena for sale with 6,700m2 of land - 1,500,000 EUR

House in San Gimignano Area, Siena for sale with 15,000m2 of land - 1,250,000 EUR

San Gimignano Farmhouse For Sale - 1,100,000 EUR

Farmhouse For Sale San Gimignano - 780,000 EUR

San Gimignano House For Sale - 500,000 EUR

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Last update: 02 May 2013 at 11:36

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