San Gimignano

Some say that San Gimignano is the most handsome town in the world, let alone only in Tuscany. Like a sprinkling of cinnamon between the cypresses, it’s draped over the low hills right in the heart of the region. It started as a small Etruscan settlement in the third century AD, but became powerful as a pilgrim’s stopover on the route to Rome. Warring families during the 13^th and 14^th centuries competed to create the highest towers in the center, which is why soaring summits crash above the piazzas. These days, though, tribal conflicts are put aside in favor of legendary gastronomy. From porchetta to saffron rice and crisp white wines, there’s all sorts on offer in the cozy local trattoria.

It’s time to delve into the heart of Tuscany. San Gimignano is just that, draped like a blob of honey on wine-growing hills speckled with slender cypresses. A forest of 14 stone-built towers rise from the terracotta roofs to mark out the town. They were once the fortresses of warring families. These days, they lurch above piazzas and winding alleys filled with truffle shops and bodegas. Visiting on Thursday? Hit the Piazza del Duomo early for the food market. Stacks of olives, hard cheese, homemade pasta, porchetta – it’s all there!