Rocca di Montestaffoli San Gimignano Tuscany Italy

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Compete your trip to San Gimignano with a view from the Rocca

A holiday trip to San Gimignano is complete only with a walk up to the hilltop Rocca di Montestaffoli. This is the town's fortress-cum-public park, behind the Collegiata.

A Florentine Erection

It was erected by the Florentines around 1353-1358, shortly after they took control of the town. They merged it into the pre-existing city walls. It took the place of the Dominican convent, which was demolished and re-constructed elsewhere.

Architecture and Design

The fort's designers made good use of this natural highpoint in the terrain. They embattled the walls with five turrets which doubled as look-out points. The layout is an unusual trapezium shape. Its apex is the only point of it existing outside of the city walls. This is perched on a protruding spur of land overlooking the fields below.

Fortress for Defence

The fort defended occupied San Gimignano for nearly 200 years. During the Sienese accession, Cosimo I ordered its demolition.

The keep, which once stood at the centre of the complex, has completely disappeared. In its place some lovely hedges and garden now exist.

Climb to the Top for a Magnificent View

The remains of one original square tower are all that is left of the San Gimignano fortress. This can and really should be scaled for a priceless panorama of the town and its surrounding countryside. The rolling hills and vineyards beyond the walls are a priceless memory to take home.

Since becoming a park in 1978, the Rocca's grounds have hosted numerous open-air events. These include classical concerts and opera recitals. The most popular event is the film festival, which is held every July.