Torre Campatelli, Medieval tower in San Gimignano, Italy
Torre Campatelli is a medieval residential tower in San Gimignano with multiple floors containing living spaces, art collections, and historical artifacts from different periods. The building shows how wealthy families lived there over centuries and modified it according to their needs.
The tower was built in the 12th century in Pisan style as a residential structure and underwent changes and additions over many generations. It reached its final form in the 18th century before eventually becoming a museum.
The tower features an audiovisual exhibition called 'A Thousand Years in San Gimignano' that explains how the medieval town developed over time. This presentation helps visitors understand the role such towers played in the lives of their residents.
The tower is located in a densely built part of town, so careful navigation is needed to find it. Visitors can explore the restored rooms and collections across multiple floors, though climbing stairs is required.
The tower preserves its original interior arrangement and the personal belongings of Lydia Campatelli, the last resident, who transferred the property to FAI in 2005. This authenticity makes it a rare opportunity to see a family's life from that era exactly as it was lived.
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