This is a place everyone seemed to be talking about. I had been here in 2001, and didn't quite get why. It's your typical walled town with 17 special noteworthy towers. The history of the towers is probably what draws the tourists. Their story is that there used to be hundreds. This was a rich town of merchants, each of whom had built a tower for their family. These towers provided great vantage points, but were especially important in their display of the families wealth. Obviously, the tallest ones belonged to the richest families. Best thing about San Gimignano now? Its gelato!

We stayed in a small family place just outside the village.  Like the guesthouse in Fiesole, it was perfect for relaxing, so at the hottest time of day I relaxed in the pool.