Q J Med 2004; 97: 113
QJM vol. 97 no. 3 (c) Association of Physicians 2004; all rights reserved.
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San Gimignano
Photograph by J.M. Walshe
San Gimignano is perhaps the best-loved and most evocative of the Tuscan hill towns, situated almost equidistant from Florence and Siena. Founded in the 8th century, it flourished as a trading centre for wine and saffron and as a staging point on the pilgrim route to Rome. The town also took part in the wars between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, supporting first the latter faction, and then changing sides when the Ardighelli family gained the upper hand in 1269. In 1348, San Gimignano was devastated by the Black Death, losing over half of its population, and shortly thereafter it was forced to submit to rule from Florence. Its famous towers, built in rivalry by feuding leading families, were erected before this disaster, but only 13 now remain. In 1563, the Medicis forbade further building in the town, thus preserving it as the beautiful medieval relic it remains today.
The Duomo was started in 1056, at the request of Pope Vittore II and, after completion, was dedicated by Pope Eugenius III in 1148. It is justly famous for its remarkable series of frescoes culminating in the life of the anorexic St Fina by Ghirlandaio in the fifteenth century. The cathedral steps shown here were built by Ranieri da Colle in 1299.
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