San Gimignano is Beyond Torture

Yes, San Gimignano features not one but two torture museums along with shops that carry reproduction scythes and disemboweling kits.  And yes, the hoards of tourists who pack the place during the day make for a bit of torture.  And yes, the streets are SERIOUSLY up and down and that makes it torture on your calves.
However, the food is divine.  Lunch is fresh pasta with cream and shaved truffles, Tuscan white beans, and a glass of local vino.

San Gimignano is a total Tuscan medieval hill town.  In its glory days of the 13th century it was a thriving city of commerce.  The fact that it was on the Via Francigena certainly helped this out.  Pilgrims were constantly going through and of course that means business and trade.  At around the year 1300 it is believed the city had a population of around 13,000.  That's very good.  We also know it was a wealthy city because there is evidence that there were once 72 towers here.  Only 14 survive and they make for the distinctive silhouette of the city.

If there is a tower in town, I'm climbing it.  That is on the schedule for tomorrow.  But today, I keep my feet on the ground.  Walking around.  Viewing the glory.

Then to San Agostino Church to look at the lovely art:

And this marvelous tomb on the floor....sleeping peacefully.

And I will be sleeping peacefully as well.  I'm staying in an elegantly restored 15th century townhouse in the center of the city.  Stone floors, worn marble staircases, fireplace in the room, frescoes on the walls and ceiling..... Splendido!