Torri degli Ardinghelli, Medieval tower house in San Gimignano, Italy

The Torri degli Ardinghelli are two medieval stone towers with distinct characteristics: the right structure displays a simpler, straightforward design with narrow openings, while the left is noticeably larger with more generous window spacing. Both stand close together and shape the streetscape of this historic quarter with their height.

The two towers are documented as early as 1199, in San Gimignano's 12th-century building boom. Despite an explicit ban of 1255, they rose higher than the roughly 52-metre Torre Rognosa, matching the outlawed twin towers of the rival Salvucci. The tower beside the loggia, nearly 50 metres tall, was cut by almost two thirds in 1870 for stability and raised a few metres in the 1930s; the other, belonging to the de' Pellari family of the Ardinghelli faction, was lowered in antiquity.

The towers belonged to the Ardinghelli family, whose name is still tied to this part of San Gimignano. These structures served as both residences and symbols of family status within the medieval town.

These towers are located in the old town and are visible from street level as you walk through the narrow alleys. The best views come from different squares and angles as you explore the area.

The two towers belonged to different families: the left one was the original Ardinghelli tower, while the right one belonged to the de' Pellari, part of the Ardinghelli consortium. A bridge mentioned as early as 1287 linked them, and the sockets for its beams are still visible above the current roofline.