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The Safer Manhattan of Tuscany
Some 80 km
southwest of Florence, lies this beautiful medieval town of stone
towers. Only 14 towers of the original 72 were once packed into this
jewel of Tuscany, now paint the skyline.
The detour, off
the normal tourist route, is absolutely worthwhile. You leave your
car outside the town walls and enter this medieval pedestrian sanctuary
either via San Matteo or San Giovanni.
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During the day,
especially in high season, this little town bustles with activity, but
after the busloads of tourists depart, the romantic ambience of yesteryear
fills the cobbled pedestrianized streets.
For the lucky few who spend the night, there is a gem of a small Pension /
Inn, with only 10 rooms. The hotel L’ Antico Pozzo (meaning an antique
stone well), a real pleasure to see a renovation done with such excellent
taste in maintaining the authentic character.
Nearby, at the little 13th
century town square, Piazza Della Cisterna, one will find the charming
restaurant, La Cisterna, run for decades by the Salvestrini family.
Another fine restaurant is the superb La Mangiataoia. |
Many artistic
family run shops sell the most original forms of artwork i.e. hand painted
tiles and ceramics (Cassandra Wainhouse) as well as the best cultivars of
Chianti wines.
St Gimignano is
an ideal venue to visit Tuscany and enjoy the Chianti wine region -
peaceful, quiet and a timeless rural atmosphere.
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