| San Gimignano rises on a hill (334m high) dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers. Once the seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began its life as a town in the 10th century taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who is said to have saved the village from the barbarian hordes. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena" the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Such prosperity lead to the flourishing of works of art to adorn the churches and monasteries. In 1199 it became a free municipality and fought against the Bishops of Volterra and the surrounding municipalities. Due to internal power struggles it eventually divided into two factions one headed by the Ardinghelli family (Guelphs) and the other by the Salvucci family (Ghibellines). On the 8th May 1300 Dante Alighieri came to San Gimignano as the Ambassador of the Guelph League in Tuscany. The construction of the towers dates back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The architecture of the city was influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence. There are 14th century paintings of the Sienese School to be seen and 15th century paintings of the Florentine School.
Civil weddings are celebrated in Palazzo della Podest¨¤, in Piazza del Duomo. The facade of the building distinguished itself for the numerous coats of arms of the podest¨¤s. In the inner cortile (14th century) stands an ancient cistern and there is a staircase that leads to a loggia that boats a fantastic view of the Tuscan valleys. The loggia leads to the entrance of the Museo Civico containing masterpieces of Florentine and Senese artists. marriage hall up to 70 guests.
Marriages take place in the picturesque Dante's Hall, which has period furniture and an immense fresco on its right wall executed by Lippo Memmi in 1317. Only civil weddings are allowed. Weddings are performed by the Mayor of Town or Civil registrar.
You can add personal vows, readings and poems to the ceremony. Ceremony last 20/30 minutes.Weddings are performed from Monday to Saturday.
Early bookings suggested Newlyweds have the advantage to be photographed with medieval buildings as backdrop.
There are innumerable places and views to admire and photograph that will enchant your family for years to come | 
