If travelling by bus from Poggibonsi get off at the Porta San Matteo station which is a 10 minute walk from the monastery. A local bus also works this route. No cars are allowed in San Gimignano and parking is outside the walls. On arrival at the monastery ring the 'monastery' bell and not the 'foresteria' bell as this is unanswered.
Staying in San Gimignano is like staying on a medieval film set as many movies are filmed here - Tea With Mussolini and Brother Son and Sister Moon among them.
The artworks in the local churches date back to medieval times and the famous towers which dominate the San Gimignano skyline, just beg to be climbed. September to December is truffle hunting season, and excursions can be arranged at the local tourist office. Museums, galleries and gift shops are scattered all along the side streets but an award winning gelato shop has the longest queue in town.
This lovely old monastery offered 'no frills' but a good welcome, and a superb, quiet location inside the walls for a reasonable price.
The monastery and church can only be described as works of art in a little town that is also an architectural masterpiece. Its like stepping back in time. The monastery hospitality is old-fashioned as well - in the nicest possible way. Just loved it and can't wait to return again one day.
The monastery guest house is managed by sisters of the Benedettine Vallumbrosan Order, a closed community of nuns who are dedicated to work, prayer and offering hospitality. The convent environment is warm and inviting and travellers and pilgrims are welcomed with gracious hospitality.
The monastery guest house is open to to all travellers wishing to spend a few days in San Gimignano, combining cultural activities with a peaceful stay in comfortable and quiet surroundings. The facilities of the guest house are simple but adequate and the whole complex sparkles with cleanliness. Guest rooms for up to 5 people are available. All guest rooms have en suite bathrooms.A light breakfast is 3 euro extra.
The location, a few minutes walk from the heart of this enchanting little hill town is priceless. Even more so after the last tour bus departs at 3 pm and the locals venture out on to the streets.
Guests can come and go as they please and there is no curfew. Many of the guest rooms have views over the Tuscan hills.The guest house is a good choice for budget travellers looking for clean, inexpensive, safe and well located accommodation in this lovely walled town.
The 14th century Church of San Jacobo is adjacent to the convent and is well worth visiting, not only for spiritual reasons, but also for the frescoes and artworks inside. The sisters are the keepers of the keys to the church.
| Room types | Prices per room from* |
|---|---|
| Single with private bathroom | EUR 40.00 |
| Twin beds with private bathroom | EUR 70.00 |
| Triple with private bathroom | EUR 90.00 |
| Quadruple with private bathroom | EUR 120.00 |
| Multi-beds with private bathroom | EUR 150.00 |
Monastery accommodation for tourists and pilgrims.
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