Friday 21 January 2011 - San Gimignano is a medieval town of great historical and artistic interest that developed in Medieval times from a small Etruscan settlement. Registered in the list of Unesco’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage, San Gimignano is famous all over the world for its towers (of the 72 Medieval towers, only 14 remains) and for its architectonic master chiefs, such as the outstanding Romanic Duomo. San Gimignano is also famous for its Vernaccia and Chianti which are listed among the finest Italian wines, and which were produced here since the thirteenth century. Another important and historical product is Saffron, a precious element in the economy of the town since Medieval times. Elements of history and culture in San Gimignano is well documented in a number of museums. The Museo Archeologico (Archaeological Museum) is especially interesting and contains a collection of historic treasures, while the Museo del Vino (Wine Museum) offers something a little different and the chance to sample some crisp, Tuscan wine. Something for those interested in San Gimignano's more gruesome past, the Museum of Torture and Medieval Crime offers an insight into a rather macabre element. San Gimignano Museums: Museo Archeologico / Spezieria di Santa Fina (Archaeological Museum) - Via Folgore da San Gimignano 11, San Gimignano, Italy, IT Tel: +39 0577 940 348 The Museo Archeologico is a relatively new attraction in San Gimignano and home an array of artefacts from the town's past. Also of interest, the Archaeological Museum is home to the Spezieria di Santa Fina, which includes a reconstruction of a pharmacy from the 16th century, filled with fragrant herbs and spices. A well-planted herb garden and additional modern art gallery complete the main attractions. San Gimignano museum open: mid-March to mid-December, daily - 11:00 to 17:30 San Gimignano museum admission: charge, discounts for children. San Gimignano Museums: Museo della Tortura e di Criminologia Medievale (Museum of Torture and Medieval Crime) - Porta San Giovanni 123, Piazza Cisterna, San Gimignano, Italy, IT Tel: +39 0577 940 526 Known locally as the Museo della Tortura e di Criminologia Medievale and housed within a dungeon setting, the Torture Museum is a real eye opener and features many actual medieval instruments of torture, along with a number of authentic reproductions. The grisly and gory exhibits number more than 100 and are all well signposted in a variety of different languages, including thumbscrews, chastity belts and lots of distasteful masks. San Gimignano museum open: daily, mid-July to mid-September - 09:00 to midnight; mid-September to mid-July - 09:00 to 19:00 San Gimignano museum admission: charge, concessions available San Gimignano Museums: Museo del Vino (Wine Museum) - Rocca di Montestaffoli, San Gimignano, Italy, IT Tel: +39 0577 940 348 Sited inside of the town's historic fortress, visitors to the Museo del Vino will be led around the exhibits by a knowledgeable wine steward (sommelier). For a small charge, you will be able to take part in a wine tasting of some of Tuscany's best known white wines. Those with even just the smallest interest in wine will find this attraction a must-see and it is likely to be a particular highlight of any visit. San Gimignano museum open: March to October, Thursday to Monday - 11:00 to 19:00, Wednesday - 15:00 to 19:00 San Gimignano museum admission: free