Siena - Florence and Tuscany - page 278

the building date back to the second half of the 11th century, but its remarkably vivid
frescoes, which resemble a vast medieval comic strip, date from the 14th century.
Museo Civico
Housed in the 12th-century Palazzo Civico (Town Hall), this museum (Piazza del Duomo;
9.30am-7pm Apr-Sep, 11am-5.30pm Oct-Mar; adult/child €5/4) is built around the handsome Sala di
Dante , where the great poet once met with the town's dignitaries. The adjoining Pin-
acoteca (Art Gallery) has paintings from the Sienese and Florentine schools of the 12th
to 15th centuries.
Torre Grossa
While at the Museo Civico, be sure to climb the 154 steps to reach the top of this tower
(the only one of the town's towers accessible to the public). The views are spectacular.
Museo del Vino
Housed in an unmarked gallery next to the rocca (fortress), this tiny museum (Wine Mu-
seum; museo [e-mail] ; Parco della Rocca; admission free; 11.30am-6.30pm Apr-Oct) celeb-
rates Vernaccia, San Gimignano's famous wine. It comprises a small exhibition (in Itali-
an) on the history of the varietal and an enoteca (wine bar) where you can purchase a
glass of wine to enjoy on the terrace, which has a panoramic view.
Tourist office
0577 94 00 08
www.sangimignano.com
Piazza del Duomo 1
10am-1pm & 3-7pm Mar-Oct, 10am-1pm & 2-6pm Nov-Feb
Top Tips
› The extremely helpful tourist office ( Click here ) supplies maps and organises tours.
› Free wi-fi is available in and around Piazza del Duomo.