Torre Chigi (Chigi Tower), San Gimignano
Situated in the heart of San Gimignano's Cathedral Square, the Chigi Tower stands proudly among the fourteen historic towers that grace the skyline of this medieval town.
Although not towering over the city, the Chigi Tower's elegance and beauty make it one of the most captivating structures in San Gimignano. Its construction dates back to 1280 when it was originally owned by the Useppi family. Today, it is under the ownership of the Giachi Cilemmi family, who have preserved its rich heritage.
The tower showcases a distinctive architectural style across its three floors. The lower three levels feature exposed stone, meticulously cut into well-squared drafts, with gracefully arched openings that invite natural light. The first floor displays a characteristic portal, accessed by stairs鈥攁 reminder of the turbulent times of internal conflicts in medieval cities. To ensure safety during the night, stairs were often retracted, allowing access only to the first floor.
Moving to the second floor, a narrow slit window with an elongated arch rests on shelves, adding a touch of architectural intrigue. The upper section of the tower is adorned with brickwork, featuring two identical single-lancet windows on the first two floors, while the top floor remains windowless. Each floor is adorned with orderly rows of four scaffolding holes, accompanied by shelves. These openings suggest the presence of wooden balconies in the past, providing additional space within the tower.
Flanked by neighboring medieval buildings, the Chigi Tower stands as a harmonious part of the architectural ensemble. Particularly noteworthy is the building on the left side, distinguished by gracefully crafted mullioned windows, adding a touch of refinement to the surroundings.
Although not towering over the city, the Chigi Tower's elegance and beauty make it one of the most captivating structures in San Gimignano. Its construction dates back to 1280 when it was originally owned by the Useppi family. Today, it is under the ownership of the Giachi Cilemmi family, who have preserved its rich heritage.
The tower showcases a distinctive architectural style across its three floors. The lower three levels feature exposed stone, meticulously cut into well-squared drafts, with gracefully arched openings that invite natural light. The first floor displays a characteristic portal, accessed by stairs鈥攁 reminder of the turbulent times of internal conflicts in medieval cities. To ensure safety during the night, stairs were often retracted, allowing access only to the first floor.
Moving to the second floor, a narrow slit window with an elongated arch rests on shelves, adding a touch of architectural intrigue. The upper section of the tower is adorned with brickwork, featuring two identical single-lancet windows on the first two floors, while the top floor remains windowless. Each floor is adorned with orderly rows of four scaffolding holes, accompanied by shelves. These openings suggest the presence of wooden balconies in the past, providing additional space within the tower.
Flanked by neighboring medieval buildings, the Chigi Tower stands as a harmonious part of the architectural ensemble. Particularly noteworthy is the building on the left side, distinguished by gracefully crafted mullioned windows, adding a touch of refinement to the surroundings.
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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Torre Chigi (Chigi Tower) on Map
Sight Name: Torre Chigi (Chigi Tower)
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 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
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