San Gimignano to Monteriggioni

19.3 Miles; 9.5 Hours on the trail                              (Cumulative: 82.1 Miles; 40.6 Hours on the trail)

Today was a long walk through beautiful fields, forests, olive groves, open spaces, & vineyards in Tuscany’s Val d’Elsa area

Because we had a long hike today, we left before sunrise which allowed us to walk through San Gimignano one last time; but, this time with no crowds.

Piazza della Cisterna is San Gimignano’s second main square.                                           It is named after the cistern which was constructed at this spot in 1287.                             The well dates from 1346 &  was the town’s main water source.

Our early departure also allowed us to enjoy another gorgeous Tuscan sunrise.

Leaving San Gimignano allowed us to view the city from a different vantage point.

Here are some trail images:

We walked through the historic town Colle di Val d’Esla whose Elsa River Trail has a series of small, tumbling, turquoise cascades along its shallow course.

Colle di Val d’Esla is known as “The Crystal City” because it produces 15% of the world’s finest lead crystal glassware.

Ropes are in place along the Elsa River at the several, slippery, stepping stone crossings to help walkers.

Monteriggioni rates among the most picturesque places on the Via Francigena.                           It is a perfectly preserved medieval fortress town perched alone atop a hill  covered in vineyards & olive trees.