San Gimignano, ITALY - San Matteo Gate (13th Century): San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena, Tuscany, north-central Italy. Known as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its medieval architecture, unique in the preservation of about a dozen of its tower houses, which, with its hilltop setting and encircling walls form "an unforgettable skyline". Within the walls, the well-preserved buildings include notable examples of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with outstanding examples of secular buildings as well as churches. The Palazzo Comunale, the Collegiate Church and Church of Sant' Agostino contain frescos, including cycles dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. The "Historic Centre of San Gimignano", is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town also is known for the saffron, the Golden Ham and its white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, produced from the ancient variety of Vernaccia grape which is grown on the sandstone hillsides of the area. The Portoa S. Matteo (1297) still retains its original wooden doors. The inscription on the left on the inner side of the gate records that the papal governor, Cardinal Giambattista Rubini restored Via Madonna di Loreto in 1673 (see Walk IV): this important processional route started here and led under a covered arcade to Santa Maria di Loreto. This Divided Back Era (1907-15) postcard is in good condition. Giuseppe Del Taglia, San Gimignano. Fot. Alinari.