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San Gimignano

Listed under Medieval Towns in Tuscany, Italy.

Tuscany’s San Gimignano is known for its architecture, and provides a recognizable postcard image all over Europe. The 13th century towers give the walled town a one-of-a-kind medieval skyline. In addition, the Duomo and the People’s Palace carry significant art collections. You should also sample a glass of San Gimignano’s famous Vernaccia wine, a trademark of the town since the 13th century.

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Tea with Mussolini Movie.

Friends have asked whether the scenes where the English and American ladies save the towers from being blown up by the departing Nazis in WW 2 is based on any truth? And did the ladies actually work at saving the fresco of Santa Fina? Were they really held in custody in San Gimignano? I cannot find any WW2 history of the town to give me information on this. Please someone send me an email with the information. Information much appreciated! :)

Question posted 16th October 2009 by Chantelle Ayers..

1 reply...

The women in the film are based on a group of real ladies referred to as the Scorpioni - by finding out about their story you may find out if this is true or not.

Reply posted 16th October 2009 by Kat Mackintosh.

Historic Centre of San Gimignano

'San Gimignano delle belle Torri' is in Tuscany, 56 km south of Florence. It served as an important relay point for pilgrims travelling to or from Rome on the Via Francigena. The patrician families who controlled the town built around 72 tower-houses (some as high as 50 m) as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance. The town also has several masterpieces of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art.

Review posted 7th December 2007 by World Reviewer Staff.

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San Gimignano