Torre dei Diavolo (Devil's Tower), San Gimignano

The Devil's Tower stands as one of the surviving fourteen medieval towers of San Gimignano, out of the numerous towers that once dotted the town during the Middle Ages. It is located on the northern side of Cistern Square and was originally part of the adjacent Cortesi Palace.

Legend has it that the tower earned its name due to the astonishing height that the owner discovered upon returning from a trip. The extraordinary elevation was believed to be the work of the devil himself, leaving the owner in awe and amazement.

This imposing tower features a double-height portal, hinting at its former use as a pedestrian passage. Indeed, at the base of the tower lay the "Alley of Gold," a narrow alley where goldbeaters had their shops. These skilled artisans would pound gold into incredibly thin sheets, which were then used for gold background panels in paintings.

The upper floor of the tower is distinguished by a row of scaffolding holes adorned with shelves, indicating the presence of an ancient wooden balcony. A narrow slit window provides illumination on this level, while narrow windows, one per floor, can be found on subsequent levels. These small windows reflect the architectural style of the medieval period, prioritizing defensive needs over the comfort and lighting of interior spaces. The top floor, surrounded by prominent shelves, likely housed a platform encircling the existing brick roof terrace. The somewhat eerie appearance of the supports may have contributed to the tower's association with the legend.

The adjacent Cortesi Palace, which stands in contrast to the tower, features only two floors, each adorned with a single lancet window. Unlike the tower's white limestone construction, the palazzo is built from a slightly darker, yellowish stone.