What to see in Italy

San Gimigniano

San Gimignano, set in the heart of Tuscany about 56 kilometers south of Florence, is one of Italy’s most photogenic medieval towns. Its historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves a distinctive skyline of stone towers, cobbled streets, charming squares and landmarks such as Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza del Duomo, the Collegiata and Torre Grossa, which offers sweeping views over the Tuscan hills.A curious detail: San Gimignano is often called the “Medieval Manhattan” because noble families built its towers as symbols of power; at its peak, the town had around 65 towers, while 13 still survive today and define its unforgettable silhouette. It was also an important stop on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route to Rome and is well known for Vernaccia di San Gimignano, one of the area’s signature white wines.