San Gimignano in Tuscany is without doubt a special place. An inviting place. Especially at night, with its mustard-coloured stone bathed in warm, artificial light.
Back in medieval Italy, the biggest (literally) status symbol going was… a tower! If you didn’t have a tower, you were looked down upon (I’m enjoying this) by your neighbours. It was the fashionable, must-have addition to any up-and-coming house.
But like all crazes, the tower-fad passed. And sadly, very few of them survive today. Except in San Gimignano.
This tiny walled city atop a hill is still graced by 14 towers of varying heights. It’s quite a sight to see. I can only image what it was like during its medieval heyday, when as many as 72 towers jostled for a piece of its skyline.
This post was inspired by the themes Inviting from Ailsa (of Where’s My Backpack?), Nighttime from Ben (of the Daily Post), and Mustard from Jennifer (of Jennifer Nichole Wells).

The most inviting place in San Gimignano?…
A restaurant that offers you wine in the street while you wait for a table.
While you’re longing to be in San Gimignano, why not sign up and follow my continuing Journeys here at Jaspa’s Journal (on WordPress or Bloglovin’), or through my website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr?
And if that’s not enough for you, there are now three Jaspa’s Journey novels to enjoy as ebooks! Perfect for Kids 8 – 80!
What a amazing series of San Gimignano at night! I like the last one especially!
So did Sue, Amy! Mainly because he’s the one with the glass of wine outside the restaurant!
Beautiful, beautiful photo of Sue!!
Wow you’ve captured a completely different atmosphere of this lovely town without the normal day time crowds!
Thanks Shelly!
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Some great shots. It really is a special place.
Thanks, Norm! I take it you’ve been?
Yes, sorry for taking so long to reply. We were there in 2013. We simply loved it and would go back in a heartbeat.
Me too!
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Looks beautiful ! Putting it on my list of places to visit 🙂
You won’t be disappointed, Lorraine!
Wonderful photographs! It looks a beautiful place. I am trying to imagine 72 medieval towers! … 72 stone-built high-rise must have been a sight to see 🙂
I wish all 72 were still there, Peggy. Fourteen look fantastic, but 72…!
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So gorgeous. I will have to visit this location whenever I’m able to get back to Italy again. Thank you so much for sharing!
You’re welcome, Jennifer. Glad you enjoyed it!
Stunning shots! Looks like a beautiful place to visit or live…. I’m envious! 😀
Thanks very much, Kathryn. I highly recommend a visit!
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Thanks. Good photographs. Brings back memories of many trips to Tuscany. Regards from Thom at the immortal jukebox (give it a spin)
Thanks Thom!
immagini straordinarie e molto suggestive, mi è iaciuta moltissimo quella della porta San Giovanni! e poi la luna, va beh fraceva capolino danne nuvole, ma è stat ugualmente fantastica!
Sono felice che apprezziate molte parti italiane che molto amo1
Thanks, Annalisa. I’m excited to visiting Italy again in the spring. Perhaps I’ll even get back to San Gimignano!
a presto, allora!