General Description
Imagine calling one of San Gimignano’s signature medieval towers your home. Being part of this picturesque setting includes gallivanting around town personally testing each restaurant, café, boutique and outdoor market. Previous guests of Zafferano profess to having the time of their life in this extraordinary townhouse.

From the enormous picture windows and a furnished rooftop terrace, overlook an endless tableau of lush rolling country all the way to the Chianti hills. Several arched windows peer out over the famous Piazza della Cisterna.

A thorough and professional restoration artfully crafted the immense open spaces of this medieval tower and opened them to the equally incredible vistas outside. The original bricks and stones from 800 years ago now frame sleek, designer furnishings. Spread across three levels with a bedroom on each and having several large rooms, Zafferano is abundantly spacious for three couples. There is air conditioning in all bedrooms, the main living room and the study.

To enjoy this exclusive retreat, guests must be ready to tackle the 75 steps leading from the street entry to the rooftop terrace. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed. Cleaning service may be arranged when booking.

As San Gimignano's historic center is a restricted traffic zone, guests are met at the town entrance. The English-speaking keyholder assists with dropping off luggage and then leads the way to a parking garage, a few minutes walk outside the town walls. A parking space for one mid size car is included in the price.

On Thursday, early risers are rewarded with a bounty of bargains when the town's weekly outdoor market takes place in the main square just outside your door.

Two other hill towns whose artistry is unsurpassed are each within 20 minute drives: Volterra with its translucent alabaster and Colle Val d'Elsa with exquisite crystal. Siena is reached in 45 minutes by car; Florence or Pisa: 60.

Historical notes:

- Overcrowding in the 13th century led to building restrictions limiting expansion in affluent San Gimignano. Feuding nobles were forced to build vertically to show up their neighbors. In 1278, some 72 towers dominated the hill town's impressive skyline. After the plague decimated Europe's population in 1348, a centuries long recession left most of the towers in a state of ruin. Some families saved part of their towers by cutting them down to a more manageable size, as was done to Zafferano.

- A collection of unique Etruscan artifacts dating back thousands of years adorn wall niches in several rooms. This art along with the title of Marquis were bestowed to an ancestor of the present owners by King Carlo III for rediscovering parts of ancient Herculaneum in the 1800s.

Technical Description
First level: One bedroom with two single, joinable beds and en suite bathroom with shower. Laundry room with washing machine.

Second level: Main living room with fireplace, TV and steps up to the furnished, rooftop terrace. Dining room with fireplace. Living room with CD player. Eat-in kitchen with stove top, oven, fridge and dishwasher. One bedroom with a queen size bed and en suite bathroom with tub and shower. Half bath.

Third level: Study with minifridge and door to the furnished, rooftop terrace. Loft bedroom with a queen size bed. One bathroom with shower.