Cistern Square

An emblem of the city, surrounded by noble houses and medieval towers, Piazza della Cisterna is one of the most striking squares in San Gimignano. Located in the heart of the city, the square was built in the 13th century with the original features, still preserved today, according to the provisions of the Ghibelline Commune. Originally, the square was located at the intersection of the Via Francigena and the road connecting Pisa and Siena, i.e., the two main roads of the medieval town, and was intended for the market, festivals and town tournaments. Given its strategic location, the square was a real center of popular gathering, which is why it was originally called Piazza delle Taverne, because of the many inns where wayfarers and travelers went to stop and rest. The square owes its name to the cistern located in the center of it, built in 1273 and enlarged in 1346 under the podestà of Guccio di Malavolti, a name that is featured on the coat of arms of the cistern itself. It had been created to enable the population to get water more easily by pulling up jugs with chains and ropes, as evidenced by the grooves on the edges of the well.

With a curious triangular shape and characterized by a natural slope, the square is at the center of a spectacular "arena" composed of the most famous towers and palaces of the medieval city. Devil's Tower, the Ardinghelli family towers, Palazzo Razzi and Palazzo Tortoli-Treccani are just some of the historic buildings surrounding the square. Also in the southwest part is the famous Arco dei Becci and the tower of the same name, while opposite the cistern is Casa Salvestrini, an ancient shelter for pilgrims. Despite the passage of time, Piazza della Cisterna has always remained the nerve center of San Gimignano of all ages.