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<p>Situated in the heart of the <h1>TUSCANY</h1>, lies the <h1>MEDIAEVAL TOWN OF SAN GIMIGNANO</h1>, located between <h1>SIENA, FLORENCE and VOLTERRA</h1>, three of the most famousc cities heavily influenced in culture and traditions from an historic age.<BR>
Base of a small <h1>Etruscan village</h1> dating from the Hellenistic period, its history started around the 10th century on a hill 334 meters above sea level surrounded by a beautifull landscape, dominating the River Elsa Valley.<br>
<i><h1>San Gimignano is a City of UNCOMMON BEAUTY</h1>, with its proud towers, shining in the sky like a star, surrounded by green hills, this historic village offers a exquisite cultural experience to its visitors...</i> </p>
<p><h1>"The Town of the fine Towers"</h1>, as it has been called, well deserves this name becouse it appears in allit's splendour as it comes into view in the distance with its TALL TOWERS rearing toowards the heavens.<BR>
SAN GIMIGNANO, enclosed by two walls running around the town is a cultural haven with its' architectural beauty, the narrow street, the fountains and the castle itself dating back to the XII century.<BR>
One could easily be transported back in time would the people of San Gimignano adorn their medieval costumers when watching them practice their traditional rituals.<BR>
<i>This is SAN GIMIGNANO: this is its beauty and charm. Standing there adorned in the medieval colour, the patina which reflects the traditions; times gone by which renders the visitors this unique experience of having gone back in time.</i><BR>
It is really all of this together, simple yet fable like at the same time, which has made <b>SAN GIMIGNANO a small but precious jewel of Tuscany.</b> </p>
<p>The town of San Gimignano, takes its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, GIMIGNANO, who saved the City from the barbarians.<BR>
The City had an important demographic and trade development due to its excellent geographic position. From San Gimignano the <b>Francigena Road</b> connected Rome to the rest of Europe.<BR>
<i>During the years 1000, 1200 and 1300, San Gimignano had an important economic, cultural and trade development.<BR>
The merchants sold the fruits of the soil, the local handcraft products derived from wool, woven garments, saffron and <h1>chianti wine, VERNACCIA di San Gimignano and olive-oil</h1><BR>
There were intensive cultural and trade contacts with many a kin. The pilgrims and merchants of european cities,with students (clerici vagantes), with the preachers and bishops, with princes, stone and timber merchants, with painters and with artists.<BR>
In this "golden period" San Gimignano had an important artistic development and the work of arts flourished (from the Siena ghotic art to the Florence Renaissance) decorated churchs and convents.</i><BR>
The richest families of the City showed off their wealth and their power constructing heigh towers. These towers untile this day differentate San Gimignano from other medieval town and present a spectacle for the tourists. </p><p><a href="http://www.cybermarket.it">powered by cybermarket</a></p>
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