SanGimignano1300 is an artistic and historical museum situated in the medieval town of San Gimignano, in the province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy. The museum opened in February 2010 and is located in a renovated former church on Via Costarella n 3 in the historic centre of the town.
Overview
The museum’s core exhibition is a large, hand‑crafted ceramic reconstruction of San Gimignano as it appeared in the year 1300, when the town was at the height of its medieval prosperity. The model measures approximately 27 square metres and is rendered at a 1 : 100 scale, depicting around 800 individual structures, including the town’s characteristic towers, walls, streets, squares, and residential and commercial buildings. The reconstruction was created by artisans Michelangelo and Raffaello Rubino and is intended to provide visitors with an immersive visualisation of the city’s 14th‑century urban fabric.
In addition to the model, the museum comprises ten galleries that explore various aspects of medieval life in San Gimignano and the surrounding region. Themes include the Via Francigena pilgrimage route, local crafts and professions, rural life, and the artistic contributions of native painters such as Memmo di Filippuccio and Enrico Guerrini.
Relocation and Facilities
Originally housed in the adjoining Palazzo Gamucci and Palazzo Ficarelli, the exhibition was moved to its present location in late 2013. During the relocation the model was dismantled, reassembled, and partially restored; however, exposure to the elements has required protective measures, such as covering the model with a foil during heavy rain. The museum’s shop and workshop were also transferred to adjacent spaces. Admission is free, with optional donations collected on site.
Recognition
In 2011 the museum received patronage from the National Italian UNESCO Commission, which praised its educational value and the quality of its interpretive programmes.
References
- Official website: sangimignano1300.com
- “SanGimignano1300” – Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SanGimignano1300 (accessed 2026)
Categories: History museums in Italy; Museums in the Province of Siena; Art museums and galleries in Tuscany; Museums established in 2010.