Audio Guide of Piazza della Cisterna

Piazza della Cisterna is a public square, so it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and no ticket or reservation is needed to walk through it. You can enjoy its atmosphere at any time, although the nearby shops have their own specific opening hours.

Great news! Piazza della Cisterna is completely free and open to all visitors. You can stroll through it, admire the architecture, and take photographs at no extra cost. You would only pay for anything you consume in the surrounding bars or shops.

For a relaxed visit to enjoy the atmosphere, admire the details of the square, and perhaps have a drink, between 30 minutes and an hour is enough. However, if you want to explore the gelato shops or nearby artisan stores, you may want to stay longer.

Piazza della Cisterna was, and still is, one of the main squares of San Gimignano, with origins dating back to the 13th century. Its name comes from the large underground cistern built in 1287 that supplied water to the town, and which is now covered by an octagonal well, the heart of the square. It was a vital center of trade and social life in the Middle Ages.

The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) or early autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Early in the morning or at sunset are the ideal times of day to avoid the busiest hours and enjoy beautiful light for photos.

Yes, Piazza della Cisterna is generally quite accessible. It is a square with uneven stone paving, but it is relatively flat. However, San Gimignano itself has many cobbled streets and slopes, so caution is recommended. The main square allows for fairly good mobility.

Plenty! Right next to it you will find Piazza del Duomo with the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Comunale and Torre Grossa, which you can climb for spectacular views. I also recommend exploring the famous medieval towers and the shops selling local products such as saffron and Vernaccia wine.

Of course! I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as the stone paving can be uneven. Try the famous artisan gelato from one of the square’s gelaterias—they are legendary. And don’t forget to look up and admire the towers surrounding it, silent witnesses to centuries of history. Soak up the atmosphere and let yourself be carried away by it.