The History of San Gimignano
; "Click to enlarge") |
But the real development of the town and its urban fabric began
around the 10th century, the period when it was named after the
beatified Bishop of Modena (St Geminianus) who was said to have
protected the town from occupation by Attila. During the middle
ages San Gimignano underwent formidable development through
trade in excellent agricultural produce (Saffron and Vernaccia),
favoured by the Via Francigena that passed through it from north
to south and by the many "salt transport roads". In
1199, at the height of its economic splendour, it gained
independence from the Bishops of Volterra to whom it had been
subject and became to all effects a Municipality.
In this period San Gimignano was embellished with works of art
and stupendous architecture. In 1300 the Municipality had the
honour of playing host to the poet Dante Alighieri in his role
of ambassador of the Guelph League in Tuscany. The town's
splendour would last until 1348 when, as a result of the black
death which infested all of Europe, and the subsequent famines,
it had to succumb to Florence. San Gimignano underwent a period
of decadence and marginality before returning to the forefront
of world attention in the 19th century.
 Introduction San Gimignano Useful Information History The origins The History of San Gimignano To Visit at San Gimignano Tour Toscana |