San Gimignano

We have been staring at the skyline of San Gimignano since arriving and decided that today was the day to visit. We got there early enough to beat the tourist day trippers from Florence and had no trouble finding parking. 

San Gimignano's early development was as a small Eutruscan settlement built on a ridge from the third to second century BC. It flourished in the 12th and 13th century expanding its walled boundaries as 72 towers were built. This would be the equivalent of 21st century monster homes. Today, 14 towers remain and it is a tourist Mecca.

We entered the southern gates and made our way to the Piaza Della Cisterna (aka the well).

We purchased a package pass for four museums and proceeded up the 250 steps go the "Great Tower".  

A great view although Chris did suffer a bit of vertigo.

Back on ground, we saw a number of interesting frescos.

We walked the steeply sloped streets admiring many interesting sights. 

No, it's not a European bank machine..... And right in the main square!

We went through a couple more museums and then stumbled into the Camera del Podesta which had an interesting fresco which I think was a 13th century marriage manual....

In the hot tub naked then off for a romp under the covers..... Not sure about the housekeeper's role in this?

We wandered the streets until 1400h then the heat got us and we decided to head to Centraldo to pick up a few groceries and grab some late lunch at the villa.

After lunch, I did a bit of a walk about the neighbourhood, checking out the owner's winery and a  nearby church built in 967 AD.

An approaching thunderstorm drove me back to the villa. 

The storm dissipated and we were able to get in our daily swim. 

For supper we returned to Osteria di Casa Chianti, just up the road. We got to enjoy the sunset while eating our meal on the patio.