
Gelateria Dondoli
Gelateria Dondoli, a world champion gelateria in San Gimignano, offers unique, award-winning flavors made with the freshest organic ingredients.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Gelateria Dondoli

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gelateria Dondoli, a world champion gelateria in San Gimignano, offers unique, award-winning flavors made with the freshest organic ingredients.
"This is one of the best desserts I had of all last year."
Visit Early to Avoid Lines
Arrive earlier in the day to minimize wait times, though the queues move quickly and are worth it.
Experiment with Flavors
Don't hesitate to try the innovative and unusual flavors alongside the classic ones.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Gelato
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+39 0577 942244
Address
Piazza Della Cisterna, 4, 53037 San Gimignano SI, Italy
Website
gelateriadondoli.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Flavors
Indulge in unique creations like gorgonzola with walnuts or basil cheesecake, and the acclaimed Crema di Santa Fina.

World Champion Gelato
Experience gelato crafted by a two-time World Ice Cream Champion, using the freshest organic ingredients.

Medieval Piazza Setting
Enjoy exquisite gelato in the heart of San Gimignano's historic Piazza della Cisterna, a truly picturesque experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early to Avoid Lines
Arrive earlier in the day to minimize wait times, though the queues move quickly and are worth it.
Experiment with Flavors
Don't hesitate to try the innovative and unusual flavors alongside the classic ones.
Order While in Line
Decide on your flavors while waiting to streamline the ordering process inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early to Avoid Lines
Arrive earlier in the day to minimize wait times, though the queues move quickly and are worth it.
Experiment with Flavors
Don't hesitate to try the innovative and unusual flavors alongside the classic ones.
Order While in Line
Decide on your flavors while waiting to streamline the ordering process inside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gelateria Dondoli is celebrated as a world-class gelato destination, praised for its inventive flavors, creamy texture, and use of high-quality organic ingredients. While lines can be long, most find the experience and the delicious gelato well worth the wait. Some reviewers noted that while good, it might not be the absolute 'best' they've ever had, with a few comparing it to other reputable gelaterias.
"I had the tiramisu ice-cream from this place.
The taste was well balanced and good.
The shop boasts the best gelato in the world, but this is also stated by the next gelateria on the same piazza.
I will leave the title dispute for them to settle while I enjoy my refreshing treat."
Vincent Caruana Gauci
"🍦 Gelateria Dondoli – Award-Winning Gelato in a Stunning Medieval Setting 🇮🇹✨
When you visit San Gimignano, there’s one thing you absolutely must do: stop by Gelateria Dondoli. Famous worldwide and proudly carrying the title of “The World’s Most Famous Gelato 2024,” this charming gelateria truly lives up to its reputation.
🍨 Gelato Quality:
The texture is outstanding – creamy, silky, and clearly made with top-quality ingredients. It’s that perfect balance between richness and freshness that sets real gelato apart.
🌿 Flavor Experience:
• I tried the saffron flavor, a local Tuscan specialty, and it was incredibly unique – slightly floral, rich, and perfectly balanced. A must-try if you’re looking for something authentic and different.
• The fruit-based flavors were light and refreshing, though a bit too tangy for my personal taste – great for those who enjoy sharper, citrusy notes.
• One of the most unusual yet interesting flavors I tried was the white wine gelato. It had a delicate acidity, lightly alcoholic notes, and a surprising depth of flavor. It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re into adventurous tasting and enjoy wine, you’ll probably find it fascinating.
☀️ Atmosphere:
Located right in the heart of the medieval town, the gelateria is tucked into the ancient stone walls of San Gimignano. The view from the hilltop is spectacular – rolling Tuscan hills, vineyards, and sunshine. Eating gelato while overlooking that view is unforgettable.
👨🍳 Service:
The staff were friendly, energetic, and helpful, despite the large crowds. They recommended flavors, served quickly, and made the experience feel very welcoming.
⏳ Crowd & Wait Time:
There’s usually a long line, especially on warm days – but it moves fast, and the wait is worth every second.
💡 Tip: Grab your gelato and find a spot along the town wall. The view plus the gelato is an unbeatable combination, especially in summer.
✅ Overall: Gelateria Dondoli is more than just a place to grab dessert – it’s an experience. From world-class flavors to a magical setting and passionate service, it’s a highlight of any visit to San Gimignano. If you’re into creative flavors or just want to taste some of the best gelato Italy has to offer – this is it."
Huy Tran
"The line is long but it moves quickly and the gelato is well worth the wait!
Highly recommend figuring out what you want while you're in line as it can be pretty overwhelming inside.
We had the saffron, hazelnut, pistachio, lemon, passionfruit and Vanilla. All flavours were delicious but the pistachio and passionfruit were stand outs!"
Abbie Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Gelateria Dondoli has won numerous awards, including World Ice Cream Championships, and is often referred to as 'the world's most famous gelato.' While opinions vary, many agree it's exceptional. [^M1]
Popular and unique flavors include Crema di Santa Fina (saffron and pine nuts), Champelmo (grapefruit and sparkling wine), Gorgonzola with walnuts, and basil cheesecake. [^data][^M5]
There is often a long line, especially during peak season. However, the staff is efficient, and the queue typically moves quickly, often within 5-10 minutes.
While specific dietary accommodations aren't detailed, many fruit-based gelatos and sorbets are naturally gluten-free and can often be made vegan. It's best to inquire directly. [^data]
It's located in the heart of San Gimignano, in the central Piazza della Cisterna, making it easy to find. [^M1][^M3]
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Featured in these publications
San Gimignano, San Gimignano - TimesTravel
There is a gelateria near the cistern by the name Gelateria Dondoli, which you will never miss due to the long queues and crowd outside it. ‘Great gelato’, ‘the world’s best gelateria, ‘the best in Italy’, ‘visited by celebrities’ are only some of the many things that you will hear about this gelateria. All said and done, you cannot proceed until you have at least one gelato here.
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Flavour sensations are what Sergio, the Master of Gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, is all about. Sure, you can find all the classics, such as stracciatella and pistachio, but why not try one of his innovative specialities?. The Santa Fina Cream is a favourite (vanilla, saffron and pine nuts).
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Located conveniently in the aforementioned central Piazza della Cisterna, Gelateria Dondoli is San Gimignano's famous gelateria and the best spot to grab an ice-cream to keep your sugar-levels up while exploring the town. Run by Sergio, an award-winning artisan who won the Master of Art and Craft award in 2016 (making him one of just 75 gelato-makers who have been given the award) and the Ice Cream World Championship twice, it is a well-respected and highly-celebrated establishment. In addition to incredible expertise and skill in making the gelato, the products are made daily with the freshest and highest-quality organic ingredients that have been carefully hand-picked and harvested from the surrounding countryside including the raw milk from nearby organic farms, the famous saffron from the area, armignano figs, hazelnuts, and more.
San Gimignano, dal vino al gelato più buono al mondo
San Gimignano non vanta solamente grandi personaggi nella storia, ma anche oggi è ricca di uomini e donne che stanno lasciando un segno importante come il centenario Pode, storico ristoratore, in ottima salute a 102 anni a dimostrazione di come qui ci siano un mix di elementi di lunga vita. Altra istituzione è il gelataio campione del mondo Sergio Dondoli insignito tra l’altro di riconoscimenti come Maestro d’Arte e Ambasciatore nel Mondo del Made in Italy. Celebre in tutto il mondo il suo gusto speciale Santa Fina, una crema allo zafferano che è un tributo alla sua città.
where to eat
No visit to San Gimignano is complete without a gelato at one of the most famous gelaterie in the world, located on the central and usually very busy piazza della Cisterna. You’ll recognize it by the long line out the door, but don’t worry, the staff behind the counter work quickly and you’ll be out the door in no time. Stop at Gelateria Dondoli for unusual flavors like Vernaccia wine sorbet or one of their trademark specialties, such as Crema di Santa Fina, an eggy gelato with pine nuts and saffron, or Champelmo, with grapefruit and sparkling wine.
Things To Do + Tips
You can’t argue with success, especially when you dig into a bowl (or cone) of Gelateria Dondoli’s delicately coloured and boldly flavoured scoops of heaven. Right around the corner from the Duomo, Dondoli is a perfect resting place between climbing towers and walking the town’s bustling medieval streets. Master gelato-maker Sergio whips up unique and usually delicious flavour combinations like pine nut & saffron and Dolceamaro® (an herbaceous and creamy concoction) that have earned him a reputation as one of the best in the world.
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Ice cream lovers will also get their money’s worth in San Gimignano because here you will find one of the best ice cream parlors in Italy, the award-winning Gelateria Dondoli on the main square, Piazza della Cisterna. Already several times awarded as ice cream world champion, a tasting of the delicious ice cream creations is one of the best things to do in San Gimignano. In addition to the typical old-fashioned varieties, there are also some unusual flavors, such as walnut & Gorgonzola, raspberry & rosemary or cappuccino & rum.
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Nestled in the quaint medieval town of San Gimignano, Gelateria Dondoli is one of the all-time favourite gelato spots in Tuscany. The historic setting of the region makes for an enchanting visit, with the gelato shop set within an ancient building in the town’s main square, Piazza Della Cisterna. Run by a world champion gelato maker, known as Sergio Dondoli, it is known as one of the best places in the world to indulge in a homemade Italian ice-cream.
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Known all over the world, they claim to be the best ice-cream in the world. It is a challenge you must accept and taste their sublime, natural gelato, made only with the best seasonal ingredients. Some of my favourite flavours: champelmo, a champagne and grapefruit sorbet which can help you fight the heat of summer, Curva Fiesole, with blueberries and fresh ricotta, and Rosemary baby, with raspberries and rosemary.
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No visit to San Gimignano would be complete without a visit to Gelateria Dondoli. This is an exceptional gelateria where you can try some rather unusual flavours such as Champelmo® (pink grapefruit and sparkling wine) or Dolceamaro® (cream with aromatic herbs). If you have time, you can even learn from the experts by enjoying a gelato making class here before heading back to your Tuscany villa rental.
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There really is nowhere better to enjoy a delicious gelato than in the heart of Tuscany. San Gimignano can go one step further and offer delicious gelato in the middle of a UNESCO Heritage Site: Gelateria Dondoli, located in the historic Piazza della Cisterna. All of the ice cream at Gelateria Dondoli is made in house, with fresh, preservative-free ingredients and passion put into every taste.
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This Piazza is the home of the world-famous Gelateria Dondoli, which boasts its status as the Gelato World Champion for 2006-07 and 2008-09. Gelato was a daily afternoon indulgence during our time in Italy, and we definitely could distinguish excellent gelato from corner shop gelato. However, the line at Gelateria Dondoli was simply too long, and we desperately wanted to sit in the shade.
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The world-famous and world champion winning Gelateria Dondoli is right in the center of Piazza della Cisterna and is the best gelato not only in San Gimignano, but in the world. The gelateria offers a variety of creative flavors like saffron, pink grapefruit with sparkling wine and even Vernaccia di San Gimignano. You’ll easily recognize it because there is always a line out the door.
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Do not leave San Gimignano without trying the “best gelato in the world” (as they claim) at Gelateria Dondoli in Piazza della Cisterna. Being Italian and having eaten my body weight in gelato, I can truly say it’s one of the best I’ve ever tried!. Go for the unsual flavours such as champelmo (champagne and grapefruit), rasperry and rosmary and check out their seasonal new entries.
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Gelateria Dondoli, a shop in Gimignano, has garnered several top titles in the competitive world of ice cream making, including “world champion” and “best ice cream in the world.” Sergio Dondoli is the mastermind behind the shop’s sweet creations, which includes more than 40 flavors and 12 trademarked ones. Simply put, San Gimignano is one of Italy’s tastiest national treasures.
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And not just any ice cream, but “the world’s best gelato”, found at Gelateria Dondoli. Tucked away in the charming old town, this small ice cream parlor boasts an impressive collection of awards, thanks to the owner Sergio’s experimental flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or daring, this gelateria has something to satisfy every sweet tooth.
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Guests of Casali di Casole can coordinate with our concierge team to take part in hands-on gelato-making classes at the legendary Gelateria Dondoli. Gelateria Dondoli was created by Sergio, master gelato maker and winner of the prestigious Italian Maestro d’Arte e Mestiere (Master of Art and Craft) award, honoring the country’s most excellent artisans.
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Located in Piazza della Cisterna, Gelateria Dondoli can be seen a mile away due to its extensive ques. They have extraordinary flavours such as saffron, pink grape fruit, Vernaccia, but the strangest flavour we've tasted is the 'Italian Garden' flavour. This flavour is a combination of tomato, cheese (most likely ricotta or mozzarella) and basil!.
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San Gimignano is home to Gelateria Dondoli, one of the most renowned gelaterias in all of Italy. If there’s a line out the door, we assure you it’s worth the wait. And while you can play it safe with flavors like lemon or pistachio, go for one of their signatures: crema di santa fina, which is a saffron and pine nut gelato that is utterly divine.
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This award-winning and well-known gelateria in Piazza della Cisterna hasn’t let all of the fame get to its head. Dondoli consistently creates excellent gelato and fun, unique flavors like tomato/strawberry/basil and gorgonzola walnut (on the left in my cup in the photo). Read about Things to Do in San Gimignano San Gimignano with Kids
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And while you’re daydreaming in Piazza della Cisterna, you should complete your heavenly experience by trying the gelato from Gelateria Dondoli. Acclaimed, award-winning, this is ice cream at its most deliciously indulgent. Go for an unusual flavour like raspberry and rosemary, Vernaccia wine, cinnamon or zabaione.
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Gelateria Dondoli gains world-famous for its terrific handmade Gelato, which is absolutely a must-try. The gelato is delicious, with surprising tastes, and is considered one of the best in Italy and beyond. If you want to learn more about the making of gelato you may also try Gelateria Dondoli gelato class.
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In piazza della Cisterna, which is one of the most beautiful spots of the whole burg, you will find two gelaterie: Dondoli and dell’Olmo. Dondoli was Gelato World Champion two times. I had merenda with raspberry and Michelle (a cream of cantucci, the local Tuscan biscuits, and they were both very good).
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Gelateria Dondoli won the Ice Cream Championship of 2006/2007 and 2008/2009. Sergio Dondoli, the Gelato Master, won the Master of Art and Craft award in 2016. This gelateria has been featured in numerous news articles and visited by a long list of celebrities.
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While you’re in San Gimignano, you’ve got to try the world-famous gelato at Gelateria Dondoli on Piazza della Cisterna. Trust me, you’ll want to go back more than once!. These gelatos are practically legendary, and the long lines outside prove it.
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No visit to Tuscany is complete without indulging in its famous gelato, and Gelateria Dondoli in San Gimignano is a must-visit for any gelato lover. Renowned for its world-class gelato, this spot is perfect for discovering authentic Italian gelato.
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Aan de oostkant van het Piazza della Cisterna vind je Gelateria Dondoli: een ijswinkel met bekroond ijs!. Deze zaak werd meermaals wereldkampioen ijsmaken en won allerlei awards. Natuurlijk gaan we daar even proeven!
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But make sure to leave some space for an ice-cream from Gelateria Dondoli. He won ice-cream world champion in 2006/2007 and 2008/2009. You will realise why when you taste it but don’t be intimidated by the queues.
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The gelato at this store is known across the world – and for good reason. Sergio Dondoli has won a ton of awards and accolades for his gelato, which is made from the milk of special cows from nearby farmlands.
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If you want to take a break from sightseeing, stop for a treat in Gelateria Dondoli. You can find it in the Piazza della Cisterna. Here’s where it gets juicy: this small town is a famous gelato destination.
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For dessert, head to Gelateria Dondoli, one of the most famous gelaterias in Italy. Their award-winning gelato is made with fresh, local ingredients. Try flavours like saffron, raspberry, or Vernaccia wine.
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The winner is clear in my opinion, it has to be Dondoli and it’s claim may not be too much of an exaggeration because it is the creamiest, most decadent gelato I’ve had anywhere in Italy.
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Make sure not to skip the renown and awarded Gelateria Dondoli!. At the Reception of Hotel Certaldo is possible to have any information you desire and book any restaurant you prefer.
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For dessert, San Gimignano is famous for its award-winning gelato, found at the Gelateria Dondoli which is hailed as one of the best ice-cream producers in the world.
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Don’t miss Gelateria Dondoli, a famous gelato shop that has won numerous awards. Opera Waiting is a tasty artisanal and organic shop of Tuscan biscuits and sweets.
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Treat yourself to a scoop of artisanal gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, known for its inventive flavors. Savor a cone as you continue exploring the charming shops.
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Located in the central Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano, Gelateria Dondoli is known all over the world and visited by a large number of celebrities.
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One of the most famous gelaterias, Gelateria Dondoli, has won numerous awards for its artisanal ice cream, which is made with fresh, local ingredients.
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In fact, in San Gimignano there is also the Gelateria Dondoli, whose ice cream has received several awards including that of World Champion!
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You can also visit Gelateria Dondoli, an ice cream cafe with great reputation, and of course a delicious Gelato in San Gimignano.
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Don't forget to visit Gelateria Dondoli, a world-famous spot in the heart of the town, completing your visit to San Gimignano.
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It’s regularly voted the best gelato in the world (try the pine nut flavour) – pure artisanal perfection in every bite.
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And, of course, no trip to San Gimignano is complete without a scoop or three from the iconic Gelateria Dondoli.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit