Historical ruins in San Gimignano

Ancient Ruins and Historical Sites

Explore the archaeological heritage surrounding San Gimignano, featuring the 14th-century Rocca di Montestaffoli fortress and the abandoned medieval settlement of Castelvecchio. This collection highlights the region's historical evolution through ruins of Romanesque churches, ancient Etruscan burial sites, and the 15th-century Tabernacolo dei Giustiziati. These sites provide insight into the military, religious, and domestic life of past Tuscan civilizations.

sailko / CC BY 2.5

Rocca di Montestaffoli

A 14th-century defensive fortress built to protect San Gimignano, offering strategic views of the town's towers and the surrounding Val d'Elsa.

Area archeologica di Castelvecchio

The archaeological remains of a fortified medieval village that was abandoned following the plague and military conflicts in the 15th century.

Castelvecchio di San Gimignano

A ruined hilltop settlement featuring the remnants of defensive walls and domestic structures from a once-prosperous medieval community.

Chiesa dei Santi Frediano e Giovanni

The Romanesque ruins of a 12th-century church located within the abandoned settlement of Castelvecchio.

Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 3.0

Tabernacolo dei Giustiziati

A 15th-century masonry shrine in Certaldo, originally housing frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli to provide comfort to the condemned.

Tombe etrusche

Ancient burial sites providing evidence of Etruscan habitation in the hills surrounding San Gimignano.

Chiesa di Santa Margherita a Signano

The structural remains of a medieval rural church located in the Signano area.

San Michele in Padule

Ruins of a medieval place of worship situated near historic marshlands in the Tuscan countryside.

San Martino in Foci

A medieval archaeological site in Colle di Val d'Elsa marking the location of an ancient settlement and parish church.

Other Lists

San Gimignano's Timeless Towers and Medieval Heart San Gimignano Towers Sacred Sites of Significance