A short bus ride from Siena and we were in San Gimignano, a village founded by the Etruscans in the 3rd century BC. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance period it became a stopping place for Catholic pilgrims on their way to Rome and the Vatican. It established a hospice to help the sick and provide shelter for them.
Today it is famous for white wine and it towers. A rule was introduced stating the size of the front of the houses, so creatively, the wealthy built up and up to get more use and value from their land. There are currently 14 towers left.
The town still has its medieval walls, and many churches and piazzas for a small place. It overlooks the fertile valleys where olives, grapes,and artichokes can be seen thriving, it must be really beautiful in the spring and summer.
In the distance can be seen many hilltop villages that would be wonderful to explore with a lot of time and a vehicle.
