Located southwest of Firenze in Tuscany, San Gimignano is known as the city of towers. From a distance, the city's towers dominate the Val d'Elsa, a lush landscape of wheat fields, olive groves and vineyards. The towers, symbols of the power and wealth of the city's medieval families, once numbered as many as 72. Today, only 13 remain, but the city still carries the name San Gimignano delle Belle Torri (of the Fine Towers).

In 1348, the plague decimated the town's population and weakened the power of its nobles leading to the town's submission to Firenze in 1353. Today, San Gimignano is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities and has the feel of a museum. Italy- Lonely Planet

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