The "skyline" of San Gimignano. No, these aren't offices but military towers. San Gimignano was an important trade city in the Middle Ages and once boasted 70 towers throughout the city. These were used not only to protect against outside invasion, but also against internal turmoil. The city's elite families were constantly at war with one another (like they were in Romeo & Juliet) so the towers were attached to each wealthy family's home as a place of retreat. Because each tower was personally built and financed by a private family, it also became a status contest to see who could build the highest tower. San Gimignano was decimated by the Black Plague in 1347, losing 70% of its population, never to regain her former power she possessed back in her glory days. She was later conquered by Florence, who ordered that most of the town's towers be torn down. It really is a town that has not built a significant building since 1347! However, San Gimignano has one "newer" tourist attraction - a gelato shop that has won the World Gelato Competition '06/'07 and this year '08/'09! I had strawberry and peach which was very, very good!
A great view of the San Gimignano countryside.
The Piazzo del Duomo. Inside is one of the most heavily detailed frescoes in Europe.
A few towers viewed from the town square.
Reminds me of the Twin Towers. Ironic that I took this picture the day before September 11.
1 comment:
Daddy and I love the pictures and the history lessons each day. Will you test us later Professor, so we can test our memory? I think I will try to locate a good map of Italy, so we can track all the special cities you are visiting. The towers are cool. Can you imagine the scene there before the other towers were torn down. Wonder how many they had? Those last 2 did remind us of the twin towers also. R is wearing red, white, and blue to school today on the 11th. Oh, you are in heaven finding the world's best gelato shop!!
Love you bunches! The Bunch
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