San Gimignano Archives ⋆ The Passenger

July 17, 2026July 17, 2026

India or Italy?

Our journey did not begin in Italy, at least not in spirit. It was meant to take us far beyond Europe, across continents, towards Sri Lanka via India – a trip we had carefully planned and eagerly anticipated. Yet, as so often happens in travel, events beyond our control intervened. Air India abruptly cancelled our return flight to Europe, citing kerosene shortages and price surges linked to escalating geopolitical tensions following Donald Trump’s confrontation with Iran. The airline’s decision was shrewd: by cancelling only the return leg into the EU, they avoided compensation obligations, while effectively forcing us to abandon the entire itinerary.

July 7, 2026July 19, 2026

Medieval Manhattan

San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s most atmospheric medieval towns, and its appeal lies in the way it has kept so much of its old character. It grew from a small settlement on the Via Francigena, the great pilgrimage and trade route, and became wealthy through commerce and its strategic position between key Tuscan centres.

July 7, 2026July 19, 2026

Torre Grossa

Torre Grossa is the tallest tower in San Gimignano, rising to 54 metres in the heart of the historic centre beside the Palazzo Comunale. It began in 1300 and was completed in 1311, making it one of the best-preserved medieval towers in the town. Its square plan and stone-faced exterior are typical of San Gimignano’s tower houses, but its scale and prominence give it a particularly commanding presence.