Piazza della Cisterna: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Gimignano: Torre Grossa and Duomo Tickets

1. San Gimignano: Torre Grossa and Duomo Tickets

Enjoy this combined ticket and visit the best museums and churches in San Gimignano with an audio guide. See the Cathedral of San Gimignano, which is without a doubt one of the city's most important monuments, and climb up the Torre Grossa, San Gimignano's tallest medieval tower. See the splendid frescoes inside San Gimignano Cathedral, a real feast for the eyes. Look out for the famous Creation of Adam and Eve and Noah's arc, and listen as your audio guide explain the meaning behind the beautiful works on display. Discover the iconic 13th-century Palazzo Comunale. Walk around the Sala di Dante, which once hosted the poet Dante Alighieri. Admire the civic painting gallery, which holds masterpieces from the Sienese and Florentine schools.  Climb the 218 steps of the palazzo's 54m Torre Grossa for a spectacular view over the town and surrounding countryside. Walk around, listen to the history, and explore these impressive buildings at your own leisure. This ticket also includes a visit to the Romanesque church of St. Lorenzo in Ponte, Archaeological and Museum Contemporary Art Gallery.

Siena: City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

2. Siena: City Highlights Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Make your way through Siena's dazzling maze of narrow cobblestone streets while taking in its fascinating and colorful history on this self-guided audio tour. Founded as an Etruscan settlement, by 1100 Siena had become a powerful city-state, thanks to its strong military, and thriving banking and trading industries. Throughout the following centuries, the Republic of Siena became an important center of Medieval and Renaissance art and scholarship, influencing artists throughout Italy and Europe alike. On this tour, you'll learn more about the city's history and see some of it's most iconic sights. Your walk begins in Siena's famous 13th-century Piazza del Campo, the stunning main square, where the famous Palio horse race is still held bi-annually during the summer. Here, I’ll outline the city's rich history while sharing anecdotes and pointing out the square’s main attractions including the Palazzo Pubblico, Siena’s Town Hall, with its majestic bell tower. From there, you'll wind your way through the old city, making a brief stop outside the oldest bank headquarters in the world, the Monte dei Paschi di Siena bank, founded in 1472. You'll see several magnificent view points before ending in front of the Duomo, one of the most impressive examples of Italian Gothic architecture in Italy.

From Rome: San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti Wine and Lunch

3. From Rome: San Gimignano, Siena, Chianti Wine and Lunch

Start your tour early in the morning from Rome, where we'll head to our first destination, the iconic San Gimignano. There you will have the opportunity to discover its medieval architecture and its walled streets. In addition, you can walk through its iconic Piazza della Cisterna and visit its representative Torre Grossa. The next stop will be a wine cellar, a great symbol of Tuscany culture. Along with a guided tour, you will learn how this precious delicatessen is made and you will have the opportunity to taste it. You can delight yourself with the aroma of the prestigious Chianti. You will be lucky to taste 15 varieties of wine and oil from the region, besides appetizers like Tuscany cheeses, salami, and the famous bruschetta! You will enjoy a traditional lunch, tasting the best dishes in the area, if you select the option. After this gastronomic visit, we will head to Siena, known for its traditions, and cultural heritage. There you can enter its historic center and stroll through Piazza il Campo. With its peculiar shell shape, it is considered one of the best medieval squares in Europe. Nor can you miss its characteristic Duomo di Siena and its ancient Tower of Mangia. Finally, with a full stomach and a backpack loaded with beautiful landscapes and picturesque cities, we will return to Rome through the serene Val d'Orcia.

From Florence: PRIVATE Trip to Pisa, San Gimignano, & Siena

4. From Florence: PRIVATE Trip to Pisa, San Gimignano, & Siena

What To Expect • Stop At: Pisa, Tuscany. A comfortable one-hour drive will take you to Pisa. As soon as you arrive, you will pass by the historic suburbs and encounter Piazza dei Cavalieri, the original political center of medieval Pisa. It was later transformed by Cosimo I de’ Medici into the center for the Order of the Knights of Santo Stefano, created to defend the Tuscan and Mediterranean coasts from Turkish and pirate fleets. • Stop At: Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa and its Piazza dei Miracoli have always been a fundamental part of a trip to Tuscany, and despite the presence of the many tourists, the place radiates a timeless, evocative and powerful beauty. Visitors from every corner of the world typically try to keep the leaning tower upright, with a little help from their camera’s perspective, to make for amusing photos! Duration: 1 hour • Stop At: Historic Center of San Gimignano, Tuscany. The beautiful stronghold of San Gimignano is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tuscany. San Gimignano is a treasure of medieval architecture, frozen in time in the year 1300. Above all, it is famous for its ancient towers, which still stand out from its skyline. Don't forget to stop by the famous Dondoli ice cream shop, winner of many awards for the best ice cream in the world. Duration: 1 hour • Stop At: Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano, Tuscany. Piazza della Cisterna dates back to 1287. It is located exactly in the center of the city, at a crossroads between the two main streets of the upper medieval village. While the city’s Piazza del Duomo served both as a religious and political center, Piazza della Cisterna was instead used as a local market and as a stage for social gatherings, parties and tournaments. • Stop At: Centro Storico di Siena. Siena is one of the most popular and visited places in Tuscany. It is known throughout Italy for its distinguished medieval architecture. Upon arrival, explore its rich history and art, through its notable local monuments such as the famous seashell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the outstanding Siena Cathedral. Many local shops fill the historic streets of Siena, a great opportunity for you to taste local food or buy some gifts! Duration: 2 hours • Pass by: Cathedral square, Siena. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is the main location of Catholic worship in Tuscany, and the diocese of Siena. The building is located in the square of the same name in the center of the city. Built in Italian Gothic style, it is one of the most significant and spectacular churches built in Italy. •Pass by: Piazza del Campo, Siena. Piazza del Campo (or simply, il Campo) is the main square of the city of Siena. Unique for its particular and original seashell shape, it is renowned all over the world for its beauty and architectural integrity, as well as for being the place where the Palio di Siena takes place twice a year.

From Florence: PRIVATE Tour of San Gimignano and Volterra

5. From Florence: PRIVATE Tour of San Gimignano and Volterra

Discover Tuscany on this private full-day trip from Florence. Go back in time and learn about the history of Tuscany as you visit ancient sites like the stronghold of San Gimignano, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the Fortezza Medicea of Volterra, and much more. After being picked up from downtown Florence, enjoy a scenic view of the countryside as you drive to San Gimignano. This beautiful stronghold is one of the most popular attractions in Tuscany. During the trip, marvel at San Gimignano's ancient towers, visit the historic Piazza Duomo, and soak in the atmosphere at Piazza della Cisterna. Then, proceed to Volterra and stroll through the cobbled streets to reach an array of historical sites. See remarkable discoveries such as Etruscan tombs built hundreds of years before Christ, elaborate Roman baths, and an incredible theater excavated from rocks. The stop at the set of The Twilight Saga: New Moon is also worth looking forward to. Afterwards, recharge by having lunch at a local restaurant, trattoria, or farm house. Next, admire the imposing structure of the Fortezza Medicea of Volterra before heading over to Palazzo dei Priori, which is the oldest civic building in Tuscany. After your exploration, your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Florence.

Private Tour of Chianti, Siena and San Gimignano by Minivan

6. Private Tour of Chianti, Siena and San Gimignano by Minivan

You'll get picked up The pick up is included in the price, only in Florence city Florence - Piazzale Michelangelo (15 minutes) The first stop is at Piazzale Michelangelo, a square from where you can take the most beautiful photos of Florence landscape. It is situated on a hill overlooking the city and offers stunning panoramic views and its iconic landmarks, including the Arno River, Ponte Vecchio, and the dome of Florence Cathedral. The square was designed in 1869 by architect Giuseppe Poggi as part of the city's urban renewal project. Piazzale Michelangelo is a popular spot among tourists and locals alike, especially at sunset when the sky turns golden and the city is bathed in a warm, magical light. It's a great place to take in the beauty of Florence while enjoying a gelato or a drink from one of the many cafés and restaurants in the area. Siena - Piazza del Campo (2 hours) The second stop is in Siena, in Piazza del Campo: the heart of the city. Here, you will have the chance to visit the historic center. The square is known for its unique shell shape and its brick pavement, divided into nine sections representing the government and civic pride of Siena. At the center of the square stands the Fonte Gaia, a beautiful fountain adorned with sculptures and reliefs. Piazza del Campo is also home to the Palazzo Pubblico, a stunning Gothic palace that houses the city hall and the Museo Civico, which features works of art by famous Sienese artists such as Duccio di Buoninsegna and Simone Martini (possibility to extend you visit here). Chianti - Farm Sant'Appiano (2 hours) During the third stop, customers can visit a cellar where they will be shown how the wine is produced; moreover, if they wish, they can have lunch with 7 different Chianti wines to taste. Lunch and tastings are available only at your expenses (possibility to extend you visit here). San Gimignano - Piazza della Cisterna (2 hours) Fourth stop is in San Gimignano, a Medieval hilly town in Tuscany. Surrounded by 13th-century walls, the heart of its historic centre is Piazza della Cisterna, a triangular square flanked by medieval houses and buildings. In the skyline of medieval towers stands the Torre Grossa in stone. The Cathedral of San Gimignano is a church of the 12th-century, where you can admire the Ghirlandaio's frescoes, in the Chapel of Santa Fina (possibility to extend you visit here). Way back - Strada in Chianti (2 hours) Your driver will bring back to you drop off location, passing by the Wine Route that connects Siena to Florence. The Chiantiggiana SR 222 Wine Road has a breathtaking view of the hills and the most beautiful vineyards in the world. Return to Drop off location Your professional driver will take you back to your drop off point, in Florence. This service is included in the price only if the drop off point is in Florence city.

From Florence: Private Full-Day Jewels of Tuscany Tour

7. From Florence: Private Full-Day Jewels of Tuscany Tour

Be seduced by the eternal charm of Tuscany’s jewels on this 12-hour tour. What are Tuscany’s jewels? The beautiful cities and villages, as well as art and the historical monuments that call this unique region of Italy home. Falling in step with the more ‘human’ way of life in Tuscany, this relaxed tour begins when you want it to. You determine the pick-up time from your centrally-located Florence hotel. You will also enjoy the transportation, which is provided by a private vehicle operated by an English-speaking driver. After pick-up, you will drive through the Tuscan countryside until your first stop, Siena, is reached. Siena is a medieval city known for its artistic treasures, which have been recognized by UNESCO. In Siena you will visit the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Here you will find the Palazzo Comunale flanked by the Torre del Mangia. Every year the famous Palio takes place here. You will also have free time to visit the cathedral, built in the Middle Ages and admire the splendid buildings and narrow streets. From Siena, you will enjoy a drive through Chianti territory on your way to Monteriggioni. The drive boasts a panoramic view of the vineyards and olive groves. Monteriggioni is a small 13th-century town which is still surrounded with its original town walls. Here you will take a walk within the restricted perimeter of the walls, which have eleven towers with spectacular views. This is a Tuscan gem that will transport you back in time. Only a short distance away, in a pleasant country estate you will be served a typical Chianti-region lunch. You will also enjoy a guided tasting of Chianti and Vernaccia wines. After lunch you will leave the estates and go to San Gimignano, another beautiful town and UNESCO world heritage site. Famous for its signature medieval town planning, it is called the “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. On a stroll through the town center you will discover the Piazza della Cisterna, the Dome, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Church of Saint Agostino. Your final stop will be at the famous town of Pisa, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. In the Piassa dei Miracoli the masterpieces in marble rise from the green lawn, including the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the magnificent Baptistery, the stunning Cathedral and the Monumental Graveyard Tuscany is a one-of-a-kind region of boundless natural and cultural beauty. This small, personalized tour is an authentically Tuscan experience.

Other Sightseeing Options in Piazza della Cisterna

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What people are saying about Piazza della Cisterna

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 33 reviews

Easy entrance with purchased tickets. Be sure to have a set of head phones. Upon entrance, we downloaded the audio through a QR code and were able to listen through our headphones as we walked through this beautiful activity!

Beautiful frescoes, nice to have seen. Unfortunately, the tickets vis get your guide do not help. You have to queue at the ticket office to convert the online tickets into paper tickets.

Just go to the ticket shop at the Torre grosso, exchange your voucher for a ticket and off you go. Great !

The frescoes in the cathedral are stunning. Picking up the tickets worked well.

Todo excelente, bonita experiencia con esta compañía