Piazza della Cisterna
A stunning triangular medieval piazza in San Gimignano, famous for its historic cistern and world-class gelato.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Piazza della Cisterna
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning triangular medieval piazza in San Gimignano, famous for its historic cistern and world-class gelato.
"The most beautiful piazza in San Gimignano that gets very crowded during the day, but turns into a fairy tale after sunset."
🎯 Enjoy the Evening Ambiance
The piazza transforms into a fairy tale after sunset. If you can, stay in the old city to experience it. :city_sunset:
🍦 Queue for World-Class Gelato
Gelateria Dondoli is a must-try! Be prepared for a line, but the unique flavors are worth it. :ice_cream:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Triangular Piazza
Piazza della Cisterna
A unique triangular square surrounded by medieval buildings, featuring a historic 13th-century cistern at its center.
World-Famous Gelato
Gelateria Dondoli
Indulge in award-winning gelato with unique flavors like Crema di Santa Fina and Italian Garden.
+1
Medieval Towers
San Gimignano Skyline
Marvel at the 'Medieval Manhattan' skyline, dominated by 14 preserved medieval towers offering panoramic Tuscan views.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Magical Experience
Taste the World's Most Famous Gelato
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Enjoy the Evening Ambiance
The piazza transforms into a fairy tale after sunset. If you can, stay in the old city to experience it. :city_sunset:
🍦 Queue for World-Class Gelato
Gelateria Dondoli is a must-try! Be prepared for a line, but the unique flavors are worth it.
🚶♀️ Explore Early Morning
Experience the peaceful charm of San Gimignano before the day-trippers arrive. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
🍷 Savor Local Wine
Grab a bottle of local wine, sit by the cistern, and soak in the views and atmosphere. :wine_glass:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Enjoy the Evening Ambiance
The piazza transforms into a fairy tale after sunset. If you can, stay in the old city to experience it. :city_sunset:
🍦 Queue for World-Class Gelato
Gelateria Dondoli is a must-try! Be prepared for a line, but the unique flavors are worth it.
🚶♀️ Explore Early Morning
Experience the peaceful charm of San Gimignano before the day-trippers arrive. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
🍷 Savor Local Wine
Grab a bottle of local wine, sit by the cistern, and soak in the views and atmosphere. :wine_glass:
👟 Watch Your Step
Cobblestone streets are beautiful but can be uneven. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredibly preserved medieval atmosphere of San Gimignano, with Piazza della Cisterna being a central highlight. The unique triangular shape and historic cistern add to its charm, especially when experienced in the peaceful morning or enchanting evening hours. While crowds can be significant during the day, the world-famous gelato from Dondoli and the overall historical beauty make it a must-visit Tuscan gem.
"We love the medieval "village" at the heart of the uniquely beautiful city of San Gimignano.
The city is well preserved, and it feels like it's frozen in time. One can imagine how these folks with their horses going about their business during those days.
The atmosphere in the morning is peaceful and if you enjoy your running, this city has many interesting elevation to add to your training. The cobblestone is another challenge that keeps you vigilant and to train your foot placement.
Expect loads of visitors as the day approach to lunch and dinner.
Food and drinks (wine & beer) are tops, as the Italians are proud of their traditional culinary and wine culture."
GEORGE LEE
"The most beautiful piazza in San Gimignano that gets very crowded during the day, but turns into a fairy tale after sunset (if you have accomodation inside the old city, you can enjoy such beauty). It is filled with history, dark stories, but is also nicely kept.
And if you want to try "la dolce vita", just buy some Riserva wine in a restaurant nearby, sit and enjoy the view, the changing lights, the music (in summer, there are concerts nearby) and the wine."
Ana-Maria Anghel
"Historical & Beautiful square in the centre of San Gimignano
I love medieval city and SG did not disappoint. In fact it is famous for the tower but some of the little square that are in the town are really amazing.
Piazza della Cisterna is one of them, here we had a drink and were lucky to be here the day of the market, so bought a few things too.
I highly recommend coming here, this city is great and perched so looks really great from the roads below."
Paul Vivas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Gimignano is best reached by car or bus from Florence or Siena. Parking is available outside the medieval walls, followed by a walk into the town.
Yes, regular bus services connect San Gimignano to major Tuscan cities like Florence and Siena.
The historic center, including Piazza della Cisterna, is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets.
Parking lots are located outside the city walls. From there, it's a pleasant walk up to the historic center.
Absolutely! Many visitors do. A half-day to a full day is usually sufficient to see the main sights, including Piazza della Cisterna.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Piazza della Cisterna itself is a public square and does not require an entrance fee.
As a public square, it's accessible at all hours. However, the atmosphere changes significantly between day and night.
No booking is required for Gelateria Dondoli, but be prepared for queues, especially during peak hours.
Yes, climbing the Torre Grossa, the tallest tower, requires a ticket. Check local listings for current prices and availability.
Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening offers a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the triangular shape of the piazza, the historic cistern, and the surrounding medieval architecture. The early morning light is ideal.
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers beautiful light. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds and softer light.
Yes, you can take photos of the gelato and the shop, but be mindful of other customers.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the town's scale and towers. A standard zoom is versatile for street scenes.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historic town centers to preserve the atmosphere and for safety. Check local regulations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gelateria Dondoli is world-renowned and located right in Piazza della Cisterna, famous for its unique flavors.
Several trattorias and cafes surround the piazza, offering traditional Tuscan cuisine and local wines.
Look for dishes featuring wild boar (cinghiale), saffron, and local white wines like Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
Many restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes. Gelato shops often have fruit sorbets.
Prices can vary, but expect mid-range to slightly higher prices in the main tourist areas like Piazza della Cisterna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Piazza della Cisterna is a great central spot to let kids run around (carefully!) and enjoy the open space. The famous Gelateria Dondoli is a guaranteed hit with children, offering a wide array of flavors to choose from. +1Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds and the midday heat, which can be challenging with younger children. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for everyone, as the cobblestones can be tricky.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water bottle and refill it at public fountains to save money. Enjoying the views and soaking in the ambiance of the town doesn't cost a thing. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) might also offer slightly lower prices for accommodation and fewer crowds, making your budget stretch further.
💖 Couples & Romantics
Consider staying overnight within the medieval walls to fully immerse yourselves in the town's after-hours charm. Enjoying a bottle of local Vernaccia wine on the steps of the cistern as the sun sets is an unforgettable romantic moment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Charm of Piazza della Cisterna
The unique triangular layout adds to its distinctive character, making it a focal point for both locals and visitors. The atmosphere in Piazza della Cisterna shifts dramatically throughout the day. In the morning, it's a peaceful haven, perfect for quiet contemplation and photography. As the day progresses, it becomes a bustling hub, filled with people enjoying the sights, sounds, and flavors of San Gimignano.
Beyond its historical significance, Piazza della Cisterna is famously home to Gelateria Dondoli, a globally recognized establishment that has won numerous awards, including being named the 'world's most famous gelato.'
+1 This makes the piazza a culinary destination in its own right, drawing visitors eager to sample its unique and delicious creations. +1Experiencing San Gimignano's Towers
These towers were symbols of wealth and power for the noble families who built them, creating a unique urban defensive system. Climbing these towers offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves of Tuscany. The most prominent tower is the Torre Grossa, which is also the tallest and the only one that can be climbed by the public. Ascending the Torre Grossa provides a breathtaking 360-degree vista of San Gimignano and the Tuscan countryside, making it a highlight for many visitors.
The experience of looking out from these ancient structures offers a profound connection to the town's history and its strategic importance in medieval times. While Piazza della Cisterna is a central point, the towers are scattered throughout the town, each with its own story. Exploring the narrow streets and looking up at these imposing structures is an integral part of the San Gimignano experience.
The visual impact of these towers against the blue sky is iconic and a major draw for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. 
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