Medieval Manhatten

San Gimignano: September 30th

         The town of San Gimignano was originally a small Etruscan village in 3rd century BC.  Later, in 1st century AD, Muzio and Silvio, two brothers, built two castles on the site after they fled from Rome.  The castles were called Silvia and Muccio, and the name Silvia was changed to San Gimignano after Bishop Geminianus in 450 AD.  

         When the Via Francigena was established during the Middle Ages, Sam Gimignano became a stop for Catholic pilgrims on their way to Rome.  San Gimignano, like Siena, grew rapidly as a result of the pilgrimage, and the trade of agricultural goods were important to its economy.  Saffron was traded widely in San Gimignano, and even today, this spice is a specialty of the town.

          In the 13th and 14th centuries, there was a rivalry between two of the most influential families in San Gimignano.  Since during this time period power was conveyed by the height of one's tower, the families began building towers of increasing heights.  There were as many as 72 towers of over 70 meters in height in San Gimignano.  The rivalry was finally put to an end when the town council announced that no tower should be taller than the tower of the Palazzo Communale.  The towers built during this rivalry have earned San Gimignano the nickname "Modern Manhatten" today.  On our excursion to San Gimignano, we climbed one of the towers and were able to see beautiful views of the town and the Tuscan countryside.  San Gimignano continued to grow in size and wealth until the black plague hit in 1348.  Half of its population was wiped out. 

          Today, the medieval town draws many tourists.  It also has the "World's Best Gelato," which I am proud to say that I have eaten.  I don't know if it's the best, but it's better than Grom.