Torre Chigi (Chigi Tower), San Gimignano

Situated in the heart of San Gimignano's Cathedral Square, the Chigi Tower stands proudly among the fourteen historic towers that grace the skyline of this medieval town.

Although not towering over the city, the Chigi Tower's elegance and beauty make it one of the most captivating structures in San Gimignano. Its construction dates back to 1280 when it was originally owned by the Useppi family. Today, it is under the ownership of the Giachi Cilemmi family, who have preserved its rich heritage.

The tower showcases a distinctive architectural style across its three floors. The lower three levels feature exposed stone, meticulously cut into well-squared drafts, with gracefully arched openings that invite natural light. The first floor displays a characteristic portal, accessed by stairs—a reminder of the turbulent times of internal conflicts in medieval cities. To ensure safety during the night, stairs were often retracted, allowing access only to the first floor.

Moving to the second floor, a narrow slit window with an elongated arch rests on shelves, adding a touch of architectural intrigue. The upper section of the tower is adorned with brickwork, featuring two identical single-lancet windows on the first two floors, while the top floor remains windowless. Each floor is adorned with orderly rows of four scaffolding holes, accompanied by shelves. These openings suggest the presence of wooden balconies in the past, providing additional space within the tower.

Flanked by neighboring medieval buildings, the Chigi Tower stands as a harmonious part of the architectural ensemble. Particularly noteworthy is the building on the left side, distinguished by gracefully crafted mullioned windows, adding a touch of refinement to the surroundings.