Polo Museale Santa Chiara

San Gimignano


There are three museums in this complex. The ground floor is home to a part-reconstructed 15th- to 18th-century pharmacy known as the Speziera di Santa Fina, which features shelves stacked with brightly painted ceramic jars and half-empty potion bottles. Next to it is an Archaeological Museum showcasing Roman finds, including tiny bronze figurines, etched mirrors and piles of brightly coloured mosaic tiles. Upstairs, the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art features works by Italian artists.

Entry to all three museums is included in the Civic Museums combined ticket. The small park opposite is home to 'La sedia davanti alla porta' (1999), an artwork by American visual artist, Joseph Kosuth.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Gimignano attractions

1. Chiesa di Sant'Agostino

0.07 MILES

This late-13th-century church is best known for Benozzo Gozzoli's charming fresco cycle (1464–65) illustrating the life of St Augustine. You'll find it in…

3. Collegiata

0.16 MILES

Parts of San Gimignano's Romanesque cathedral were built in the second half of the 11th century, but its remarkably vivid frescoes, depicting episodes…

4. Palazzo Comunale

0.17 MILES

The 13th-century Palazzo Comunale has always been the centre of San Gimignano's local government; its magnificently frescoed Sala di Dante is where the…

5. Rocca di Montestaffoli

0.18 MILES

The crumbling shell of the town's 14th-century fortress commands views across the valley and has a small playground and plenty of space to picnic in. It's…

6. Museo d'Arte Sacra

0.18 MILES

Works of medieval religious art from San Gimignano's key churches are on display in this modest museum. Particularly beautiful items made from precious…

8. Galleria Continua

0.19 MILES

It may seem strange to highlight contemporary art in this medieval time capsule of a town, but there's good reason to do so. This is one of the best…

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