Some guests leave with wonderful memories. Others leave a story behind
At Hotel L’Antico Pozzo, every room has welcomed travelers from around the world for centuries. Occasionally, one of those travelers takes a little piece of our history with them—and shares it with the world.
Many years ago, Australian travel writer Peter Moore stayed at our hotel during an unforgettable journey across Italy on a vintage 1961 Vespa. That adventure became the book Vroom With a View: In Search of Italy’s Dolce Vita on a ’61 Vespa, a humorous and heartfelt travel memoir that follows his search for the true spirit of Italy.
A stay in the heart of San Gimignano
In one chapter, Peter arrives in San Gimignano with his travel companion Sally.
Before reaching our hotel, they wander through the medieval streets of the town. Then they check into Hotel L’Antico Pozzo, housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century townhouse just a short walk from Piazza del Duomo.
His first impression is one we’ll never tire of reading:
“Without question it was the most elegant hotel I had ever stayed in.”
He goes on to describe the elegant rooms, the wrought-iron furniture, the crisp white sheets and even his amusing reluctance to open the minibar after years of budget travel.
Discovering the stories hidden within our walls
One of our favorite passages comes when Peter reads a brochure about the history of the building and shares it with Sally over a birthday beer.
The pages describe the centuries-old history of the hotel, from its medieval origins to the many stories that have unfolded within its walls. Like many historic buildings in Tuscany, L’Antico Pozzo has witnessed generations of travelers, merchants and locals, each leaving their own chapter behind.
The magic of San Gimignano after the crowds
After settling into the hotel, Peter and Sally step back into the streets in the late afternoon.
The crowds have disappeared, the shops are quiet, and the town belongs once again to those who are fortunate enough to stay the night.
Anyone who has experienced San Gimignano after sunset knows exactly what he means. As the day visitors leave, the medieval towers, stone streets and ancient piazzas reveal a completely different atmosphere—peaceful, authentic and timeless.
It’s one of the greatest privileges of staying overnight inside the historic center.
A story that still makes us smile
Finding these pages again after so many years reminded us that hotels are much more than places to sleep.
They become part of people’s journeys, celebrations and memories.
We’re honored that Hotel L’Antico Pozzo became part of Peter Moore’s Italian adventure—and that our hotel will always have a small place in the pages of Vroom With a View.
Perhaps one day, your own journey to San Gimignano will become a story worth telling too.
We look forward to welcoming you.
