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Saying “goodbye” to Montalcino, we headed north on our last full day in Italy. San Gimignano, the much-visited “town of towers,” was on the way and an easy stop. We entered at Porta San Giovanni where the fortifications must have appeared formidable in the 13th century when newly built :
As with all hilltop towns, it’s an effort to reach the town center by foot:
We happened to arrive on a Thursday Market Day and it was crowded with vehicles, vendors and visitors:
To escape the bustle and gain better views, we climbed to the Rocca on top of town. Here, there is a park and olive grove within the shell of a 14th century fortress:
Of its original 60 towers, San Gimignano claims to have 14 remaining. We were not able to verify that number but greatly enjoyed the pretty park:
As with most old towns in Italy, this one’s growth is no longer confined by its medieval walls:
Within the walls, the most prominent building in this photo is Sant’Agostino Church:
Off the beaten tourist path, its interior is calm and restful. Frescoes behind the altar tell of the life of St. Augustine:
Leaving the town, another scenic panorama of olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees ...
... and then it was off to a Florence airport hotel to prepare for next day’s departure to Amsterdam.
Arrivederci, Italia, ritorneremo presto!