Rocca di Montestaffoli (Rock of Montestaffoli), San Gimignano
The Rock of Monestaffoli is a 14th century hilltop fortress a short climb from the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo). Built in 1353 by the Florentine administration of San Gimignano, the Rock provided an excellent strategic view of the Elsa Valley and environs. In 1555 duke Cosimo di Medici demolished the fort. Today, only the shell remains.
But, what a shell! An idyllic architectural ruin surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the medieval town and the valleys below. For years it has been the venue for summer performances and concerts. It has also become a showplace for contemporary art. The view is best from a corner tower accessed by a staircase open to visitors.
The Rock of Monestaffoli has small gardens, wandering paths among the olive trees and a medieval well in the center of the park. It is a classical country ruin, romantic and very photogenic. It is perfect for a picnic. Entrance through the park is free.
But, what a shell! An idyllic architectural ruin surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the medieval town and the valleys below. For years it has been the venue for summer performances and concerts. It has also become a showplace for contemporary art. The view is best from a corner tower accessed by a staircase open to visitors.
The Rock of Monestaffoli has small gardens, wandering paths among the olive trees and a medieval well in the center of the park. It is a classical country ruin, romantic and very photogenic. It is perfect for a picnic. Entrance through the park is free.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Gimignano. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Rocca di Montestaffoli (Rock of Montestaffoli) on Map
Sight Name: Rocca di Montestaffoli (Rock of Montestaffoli)
Sight Location: San Gimignano, Italy (See walking tours in San Gimignano)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Gimignano, Italy (See walking tours in San Gimignano)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Gimignano, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in San Gimignano
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Gimignano is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
San Gimignano Introduction Walking Tour
Visitors are universally spellbound when they discover San Gimignano, one of the many jewels in the crown of Italy鈥檚 Tuscany. The reason for this lies in the well-preserved feudal atmosphere and appearance from the Middle Ages with its architectural integrity and original intact urban layout.
The history of the town dates back to the Etruscan period. However, it was during the Middle Ages... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
The history of the town dates back to the Etruscan period. However, it was during the Middle Ages... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
San Gimignano Towers Walk
Known as the 鈥淢anhattan of the Middle Ages鈥�, San Gimignano is renowned for its collection of medieval skyscrapers whose verticality and density produce a rather unique and impressive sight.
Clustered together, these slender towers served as both family homes and status symbols for the noble families who built them. Apart from showcasing the prosperity and influence of their owners, they... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.2 Km or 0.1 Miles
Clustered together, these slender towers served as both family homes and status symbols for the noble families who built them. Apart from showcasing the prosperity and influence of their owners, they... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.2 Km or 0.1 Miles