THE INTERIOR of one of the homes in the San Gimignano exhibit.

San Gimignano is a small medieval hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany in north-central Italy. Surrounded by protective walls and decorated with medieval towers that can be seen for miles around, the city is most famous for its medieval architecture and the white wine Vernaccia di San Gimignano. On May 8, 1300, the Tuscan city hosted Dante Alighieri when he was ambassador of the Guelph League. This city flourished as a Renaissance capital until the black plague caused it to submit to Florence in 1348. In addition, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

With all of this history, it is only fitting that over 700 years later the town has been restored to its former glory with the new museum San Gimignano 1300. This new museum provides a unique opportunity to experience the historic, architectural and social aspects of the Middle Ages.

Located in the heart of the city, the museum offers a massive reconstruction of the city of San Gimignano as it existed over 700 years ago. This spectacular museum took three years and 20,000 hours of labor to complete and includes 800 meticulously handcrafted structures, 72 towers, street scenes, figurines and countless other exhibits. The museum also boasts state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems that bring each exhibit to life. Visitors will be fascinated by over 200 handcrafted figurines, multiple street scenes, video, symbolism and a 2,500-year graphic depiction of the city and region.

THE RECONSTRUCTED city of San Gimignano.

Exhibits include the Via Francigena, a detailed graphic presentation of the Via Francigena and its spiritual and economic importance; the City of Beautiful Towers, the reconstruction of the entire town of San Gimingano as it existed in 1300, complete with the 72 towers, of which 15 still stand today; Inside the Tower, the reconstruction of an architecturally sectioned tower-house; A Day in the City, staged and historically accurate scenes of medieval life; Timeline, hand-drawn panels detailing the history of San Gimignano from the Etruscan age to the present day; Outside the Walls, hand-crafted scenes of medieval life outside the city walls and Palace Life, a three-dimensional reconstruction of a XIV Fresco by Memmo Filippuccio done entirely in ceramic.

San Gimignano1300 is a museum, exhibition and a unique opportunity to travel back in time. It represents art, history, research and the magic vision of towers, squares and people of faith. Ultimately, however it represents hard work, joy and a sincere desire to enhance this incredible medieval city.

DOWN TO the barn animals, everything that existed in San Gimignano in 1300 has been recreated in the new museum.

San Gimignano 1300 is the culmination of the vision of two master artists, Michelangelo and Raffaello Rubino. The Rubino brothers have spent a lifetime developing their skills in their choice medium: ceramics. Using their skill and artistry, they have created something more than a museum – they have created an experience.

The museum’s gift shop is one of the largest in San Gimignano and carries a vast selection of gifts and collectibles created exclusively by the museum and gathered from local artisans. These are one-of-a-kind works of art.

For more information, please call +39-0577-941078 (available in English and Italian), email info@sangimignano1300.com or visit www.sangimignano1300.com.