Rating: 8,5/10 (2003 votes) The city of San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque cities in Italy. In 1990, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was founded by the Etruscans in the 3rd century BC. Initially, there was a small village on this place, which by the X century AD. received the status of a city and the current name in honor of the Bishop of San Gimignano. In the Middle Ages, the city began to grow rapidly thanks to the famous Via Francigena crossing it, along which important trade and pilgrimage routes passed at that time. paths. In 1199, the city became a free commune and the so-called arena in which there was a continuous struggle between the Salvucci and Ardingelli families. Because of civil strife that undermined the well-being of the medieval republic, the city passed Florence in 1352. Over the course of a long history, little has changed in the architecture of the city, thanks to which it managed to preserve its original historical appearance. In the city, you should definitely visit the Palazzo del Popolo with an art gallery, where you can watch the works of such masters of the Florentine Quattrocento as Benozzo Gozzoli, Filippino Lippi and Pinturicchio. Also noteworthy are the cathedral church, consecrated in 1148, as well as the Sant'Agostino temple, famous for its frescoes. We also recommend reading Dolomites in Italy Topic: City of San Gimignano in Italy. |