Towers In San Gimignano
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It is unknown if the bell tower of the Collegiate Church was a tower house before its incorporation into the Cathedral (Il Duomo) or if it was a component of an earlier church. It is also known as the Cathedral Church of San Gimignano.
The Palazzo Pellari's tower was constructed in the 13th century, and is situated in Pecori Square. It is one of San Gimignano's 14 principal towers and can also be seen from Piazza della Cisterna's centre. The tower is covered by the exposed row and has a straight parallel design with a pyramidal roof. It lacks windows that look out onto the plaza.
Situated at the intersection of Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Cisterna, these two towers belong to the Ardinghelli family. They were the wealthiest supporters of the Guelfs in San Gimignano. The towers had to be reduced to nearly half their original height since they were initially higher than what was permitted by law.
This tower was constructed in the 13th century and belonged to the wealthy Becci family. It's on San Giovanni, next to Arco dei Becci, and is one of San Gimignano's 14 remaining towers. Both the tower and the building next to it can be reached by Via degli Innocenti. The tower is constructed from regularly exposed blocks that form a row at the top, with arrow holes on the main sides.
It is situated on the main shopping street of San Gimignano, named Via San Giovanni. It is an ancient tower which has survived even to this date. This 13-th century tower is located in the historic centre of this Italian town.
Constructed in the 12th century, this tower-house is 28 meters tall and is hollow form the inside. The wealthy Florentine family Campatelli purchased the house tower and the related buildings at some point in the early 1800s. A descendant of Lydia Campatelli gave FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano, the National Trust for Italy, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Italy's physical legacy) the complex in 2005. Torre Campatelli is now a visitor-friendly museum.
Originally constructed in 1280 by the Useppi family, this tower belonged to the Chigi family. It was purchased by the Cilemmi-Giachi family in 2002. Situated in Piazza del Duomo, the Chigi Tower provides a stunning view of the Collegiate Church.
The tale surrounding Torre del Diavolo, the Tower of the Devil, states that upon his return from a long journey, the tower's owner discovered it had grown in height. He added that the tower received its name because of this and that it was the Devil's doing.
Constructed in the 13th century, this tower stands as one of the tallest in San Gimignano. It is situated near the city walls in a small area between Via San Giovanni and Via del Quercecchio. It was a portion of the ancient city gates and had more of a defensive structure. The Ghibelline family of Cugnanesi owns the tower.
FAQ's
What are the best towers to see in San Gimignano?
Some of the best towers to see in San Gimignano include the Torre Grossa, the tallest one with a height of 54 meters, offering panoramic views. The Torre dei Rognosi is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and the Torre dei Becci is famous for its impressive height and historical significance.
Why is Torri degli Ardinghelli so famous?
The Ardinghelli Towers are one of the highlights of the 14 medieval towers in San Gimignano. The towers became famous by defying rules in 1255, exceeding the height of the Rognosa Tower at 52 meters. Built in response to the Salvucci family's towers, they stand as significant structures in San Gimignano's history.
What is the best time to visit Torre dei Cugnanesi?
The best time to visit Torre dei Cugnanesi is early morning or late afternoon. These times offer the best lighting conditions for capturing clear views from the tower's heights. Additionally, visiting during weekdays can provide a more enjoyable experience with less crowd.
How to reach San Gimignano?
You can take a bus directly from Florence to San Gimignano, or you can take a combination bus and a train. This town can be reached directly by bus from Florence's Santa Maria Novella station in two hours. You can also go to Poggibonsi by train, and from there to San Gimignano by bus.
Why San Gimignano is so famous?
San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers, which formerly represented the wealth and dominance of the town's wealthy families. These towers are reminders of the town's past, having significant contribution in the making of history. It also attracts tourists with its beautiful medieval streets, well-preserved medieval architecture, and panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.