Piazza della Cisterna
On Gingerguide's self-guided San Gimignano & Volterra audio tour, Piazza della Cisterna is a stop worth about ~20 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type square
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- San Gimignano & Volterra San Gimignano & Volterra guide
About Piazza della Cisterna
Piazza della Cisterna, the triangular brick square at the heart of San Gimignano, named after the stone well over its medieval cistern and surrounded by tower-houses and palaces.
The square stood where the Via Francigena crossed the road from Pisa to Siena, and it served as a market and a stage for festivals. Its well-head of travertine stone, over an underground cistern of the late thirteenth century, was enlarged in 1346. Around it rise the towers of the Ardinghelli and the Torre del Diavolo.
The square is a public space, open at all times and free. It is busiest in the middle of the day; come early or late for a quieter visit. Cafés and the famous gelato shops line its sides.
Did you know? Piazza della Cisterna in San Gimignano is named after an underground cistern of the late thirteenth century that collected rainwater for the town.
How much time do you need at Piazza della Cisterna?
Around ~20 min works well for Piazza della Cisterna — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Piazza della Cisterna?
Yes — Piazza della Cisterna made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across San Gimignano & Volterra. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in San Gimignano & Volterra
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Piazza della Cisterna and read more:
San Gimignano & Volterra guide →
Day 1 of the San Gimignano & Volterra in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Piazza della Cisterna
Preview the San Gimignano & Volterra tour free in the Gingerguide app.