Certaldo Alto Only about 10 kilometers from our inn, was a wonderful medieval hill town called Certaldo Alto.  This small quiet town sits on a hill over the more modern Certaldo.  In order to reach Certaldo Alto, one needs to take an inclinator up the hill from the base town.  Once there, you are rewarded with a charming town and gorgeous views.  Below are three pictures from the picturesque town.

San Gimignano The thirteen towers that dominate San Gimignano's majestic skyline were built by rival noble families during the 12th and 13th centuries, when the town's position- on the main pilgrim route from northern Italy to Rome- brought great prosperity.  The plague of 1348, and later the diversion of the pilgrim route, led to its economic decline as well as its preservation.  Street by street it remains mostly midieval. Below- enjoy some pictures from this unique and lovely town.

Above-- Palazzo del Popolo- The council chamber of the town hall (1288-1323) features a large Maesta (1317) by Lippo Memmi.

Fresco from the Collegiata

To the left Randy and Lee in the Piazza della Cisterna.  Lee relaxes with some gelato (the best we had in Italy) at the well which is the center of the Piazza della Cisterna. Below right is a view of the countrside from San Gimignano

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