Date: 04-13
Location: San Gimigiano, Italy
Wheather: Beautfil yet again, 16c to 20c and clear blue skies.
We travelled today from Siena to Pogibonsi by train, then by bus to San Gimigiano. Train journey was about 25minutes, and bus from PogiBonsi was about 25 minutes.To return to Siena, you can either catch the bus directly to Siena or back to PogiBonsi train station and then by train. Strangely thebus/train combo appeared to be faster than the bus only option. Check timetables to verify. PogiBonsi is the second train stop from Siena. The bus ticket officeis up 100m from the train station to the right. Buy your ticket here first, then when exiting the ticket office head right another 40m to the main road, the bus stops here for San Gimigiano(Bus tickets were Euro 1.80 one way)
San Gimignano's population is approx 7100, is a small hilltop town deep in the Tuscan countryside. The bustrip winds you up through some veryscenic landscape and drops you outside an wall enclosed 'old town'. From here you enter the main road to the 'old town' of San Gimigiano. Again be prepared for streets that ascend and descend throught your walk, there are no flat surfaces here. One of the best walks is the dirt path you can circumnavigate the town and view the magnificentcountryside, full of wine and olive crops.Inside the town you are treated to a large amount of touriest orientated shops, restraunts & crafts predominatly. Strangely only a few non bricks and mortar merchants, selling various paintings/drawings.
We had lunch at a small little restraunt (again I've forgotten its name). Service has returend! Our waiter was exceptional, our food(pasta) was delicious and the wine was cheap! What more do you want for lunch! My spagheti Amatriciana was delightful. Desserts and treats, many of which seem to use nuts as the primary ingredients, all look delicious. We bought what looked like fruit pillows and some nutty cholocate biscuits. All of which were delicious.
Sights
The town is very photogenic. I went through about 150 photos here. Exploring the city you can glimpse in almost any direction and discover more countryside or intricate buildings, each with their own style & character. San Gimignano is a town you just want to walk around and discover. From the main plaza, looking at the church, Walk towards it but head right a bit up a hill, you'll end up at an open Olivegrove, where there is a small tore (tower) to climb (all free). From here you can take in wonderful views of the township and countryside. There is a larger bell tower you can climb but we didn't get to there. Ensure you have some time just to sit back in one of the many yards/chairs and just soak up the Tuscan sun for a truly relaxing day.",
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