76 | April 2013 www.womanthismonth.com The Low-down: One of the oldest cities in Tuscany, San Gimignano (pronounced Jimmyah-no) is a walled, medieval city located just under an hour away from Florence. The city grew in size in 1199, when it became an independent city from the bishops of nearby Volterra. Families built tower houses of incredible heights and many of them still stand today. One of the most famous architectural structures of the town is the Sant’Agostino church, which houses various artworks of early Renaissance artists. X-Factor: You’d be forgiven for thinking that an old medieval city would make an odd romantic getaway, but San Gimignano really has so much to offer. For one, the city boasts an unforgettable skyline. The myriad of gothic and Renaissance architecture is a sight to behold. The city is surrounded by a lush countryside with olive trees scattered across the hill. A Tuscan sunset is like no other! Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without sampling some delightful Italian cuisine; one thing this town does very well is gelato. You’d be foolish not to grab one at Gelateria di Piazza, which has won countless awards and is heralded as one of the best ice-cream places on earth. With a seemingly endless list of flavours, you’ll simply have to visit more than once! Best For: Historians. The city’s wonderful architecture is sure to appeal to those with a keen interest in history. Explore beautiful churches, climb the various towers throughout the town and explore hidden alleys and countless side-streets. San Gimignano, Italy The Great Escape Are you trying to find the perfect balance between somewhere romantic, yet slightly different? Here are three places which are sure to appeal to lovebirds who want something a little more unique. By Paden Vaughan Wedding Feature
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