It looked like it was going to be another miserable day - raining again when we got up. We were determined to continue with our plans and headed off to San Gimignano. A short downpour when we arrived and then the sun came out! Finally I was truly in Tuscany!
San Gimignano delle Belle Torri (San Gimignano of the Beautiful Towers) is a lovely medieval city that originally had over 70 towers. 14 of the 13th and 14th century towers still dominate the skyline today.
Steep streets (and no escalators) and narrow little alleyways make it a delight to explore! 
There were many shops lining the streets as well as the weekly market. 
We picked up some new potatoes, asparagus and fava beans for our final Tuscan dinner tomorrow night.
There were some very unusual shops too! See the boar at the doorway?!
Another shop had one standing guard as well! We will be sure to lock our gate tonight if this is what is in the woods around our cottage!!
With narrow streets, steep hills and limited space, most vehicles are compact and easily maneouvered. We have seen a lot of these little guys zipping around! Love them!! Dad's thinking of getting one when he gets back!
One of the highlights of the town is the Collegiata church. (The market blocked exterior shots and no photos were allowed inside!) It is very plain on the outside but, like the Basillica in Assisi, it is the frescoes inside that take your breath away. 14th century depictions of events from the Bible line both walls in rich pastel tones. The vaulted ceiling is a deep blue with stars. Except for the frescoes, the rest of this church was also dark and austere. A pleasant change after all the gilt and gold of some of the cathedrals we've seen!
We enjoyed a delicious late lunch at a restaurant on one of the piazzas. Mom had truffle ravioli with walnuts which she graciously shared with Dad and me! I enjoyed my risotto with mushrooms and some bruschetta while Dad had some Italian sausage and beans. Despite the large meal, we were still able to walk across the square to the "world champion" gelato shop. It was a winner in our books and topped off another perfect day!
And there, just down the hill from the town was my dream field of poppies! Life is good!
