Three of Tuscany’s most beautiful medieval hilltop villages
The beautiful region of Tuscany is known throughout the world as being a hub of recognisable Renaissance-era architecture and art. Tuscany is also well known for its diverse landscapes that combine snow-capped mountains with sunny beaches, and acre upon acre of flourishing vineyards and olive groves with dense forests, dramatic gorges and gushing rivers.
Tuscany is also world-renowned for its fabulous hilltop villages. In fact you can’t go far in this stunning region of Italy before catching site of a medieval village sat proudly on the crest of a hill.
When it comes to experiencing characterful and quaint hilltop medieval villages in Tuscany, visitors are literally spoilt for choice. Take a look at three of the best ancient towns that sit abreast a hill in the scenically diverse and compelling region of Tuscany.
San Gimignano
San Gimignano is one of the best-known hilltop Tuscan villages, and with good reason. Sat on the zennith of a hill in the province of Siena, this well-preserved medieval town proudly boasts 15 scenic towers set against an often-stark blue sky. At the height of its glory, San Gimignano had 72 tower houses, a poignant symbol of the villages’ former power and wealth.
San Gimignano has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. Today its network of quirky narrow streets, incredibly well-preserved history and architecture and not to mention the magnificent views you get from this medieval village, means San Gimignano remains one of Tuscany’s most popular hilltop towns.
This small walled Tuscan village is situated between Siena and Florence.
Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni is a tiny medieval hamlet located on the crest of a hill not far from Siena.
This walled village is beautifully preserved with an ancient fortified citadel with 14 towers all enclosed within the ancient village walls.
A small cluster of houses can be found in Monteriggioni, alongside a restaurant and a handful of shops selling souvenirs and other interesting items. The village’s castle is also home to a museum, which houses a great Renaissance and medieval collection.
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a medieval and Renaissance hilltop town that can also be found in the province of Siena to the south of Tuscany. Asides being well known and admired for it’s beautiful and well-preserved architecture and boasting fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, Montepulciano is also famed for its excellent wine.
The most celebrated of this hilltop town’s wines are Rosso di Montepulciano and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
In the Middle Ages Montepulciano was under the control of Florence until it was conquered by Siena in 1260. The town’s cathedral was built in 1619.
All three of these medieval Tuscan hilltop towns are a delight to visit, just remember to take your camera!