Italian Living

Medieval Architecture Woes Spark Calls to Preserve Italy’s Treasured Past

San Gimignano, known as the "medieval Manhattan," attracts millions of tourists but needs millions in upkeep funds.

The following article, written by John Phillips, appears on The Telegraph.

The mayor of the medieval Tuscan hill town of San Gimignano says the Unesco world heritage site is being neglected by Italy’s central government after a 65-foot stretch of its surrounding 13th century walls collapsed without warning following heavy rainfall.

San Gimignano, described sometimes as a “medieval Manhattan” with its cluster of 13 soaring towers built by the rival Guelph and Ghibelline dynasties, is a popular stop for British tourists in easy reach of Siena.

Continue reading at The Telegraph. 

Take a historical tour of San Gimignano:

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    John Phillips, The Telegraph

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    iStock

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