San Gimignano is a medieval hill town known as the Town of Fine Towers, with 14 stone towers still standing and a UNESCO-listed historic centre.
San Gimignano is about 90 km from Pisa and, like Volterra, is easier by car. By public transport, a regional train via Empoli reaches Poggibonsi-San Gimignano, from where a local bus climbs to the hill town. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 14 medieval towers surviving, and is renowned for Vernaccia white wine.
| Distance | About 90 km south-east of Pisa |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes by train and bus |
| Getting there | Train from Pisa Centrale to Empoli and Poggibonsi-San Gimignano, then Autolinee Toscane bus to San Gimignano; or car via the FI-PI-LI and SS429 |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 53037 San Gimignano SI, Italy |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train and bus
- Duration
- About 2 hours 30 minutes
- Notes
- Regional train via Empoli to Poggibonsi, then a local bus; timetable at at-bus.it
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- About 1 hour 15 minutes
- Notes
- Park outside the walls and walk in
Suggested itinerary
- Arrive by late morning, climb Torre Grossa, walk Piazza della Cisterna, visit the Collegiata and taste Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine before the afternoon return.
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 53037 San Gimignano SI, Italy
43.4677, 11.0432 View on map
Highlights
- Torre Grossa and the Civic Museum
- Collegiata with its frescoes
- Piazza della Cisterna
- Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine
- View from the Rocca di Montestaffoli
Tips for visiting
- Visit early or late to avoid tour-bus crowds
- Combine with Volterra by car
- Gelateria Dondoli on Piazza della Cisterna is a well-known stop
When to visit
Spring and autumn; midsummer is crowded and hot.
Accessibility
Hilly with cobbles; access limited in places.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to San Gimignano from Pisa?
By train to Poggibonsi-San Gimignano via Empoli, then a local bus; or by car in about an hour and a quarter.
Is it better to visit with a tour?
A guided tour or a car is easier because the bus link adds time.