recensioni - L' Antico Pozzo Charming Hotel in San Gimignano

When Hotel L’Antico Pozzo Became Part of a Travel Book

Book cover of Vroom With a View by Peter Moore.

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.

Peter Moore describes his first impressions of Hotel L'Antico Pozzo. — Peter Moore describes his first impressions of Hotel L’Antico Pozzo.

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.

Back cover of the book, published after his Vespa journey through Italy.

The chapter where he recounts exploring the history of our historic building.

FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN SAN GIMIGNANO

Are you planning to organize a new family vacation? What could be better than visiting Tuscany? Beauty, history, nature, attractions and comfortable accommodations are waiting for parents and children to make them spend unforgettable moments.

Remember: Tuscany is not beautiful only during the summer period. In fact, apart from the beautiful beaches of the coast, there are many other attractions and activities such as, for example, visiting one of the many cities full of history or one of the many museums.

hotel storico a san Gimignano — Piazza Duomo in San Gimignano

Visiting San Gimignano, in particular, will allow you to touch an old history that has left visible traces in our and in your present. All this is not just for the attention of adults but also for children!

The Towers, the historic center and the Via Francigena

Have you chosen your hotel in San Gimignano and now you don’t know what activities to do with your children? Get out immediately to discover the Towers!

San Gimignano had 72 of them but to date only 14 remain: don’t waste your time and discover these towers that survived the incessant flow of time. A relaxing and fascinating walk just outside the city walls will lead you to the discovery of particularities and legends that will amaze young and old

After visiting the Towers, enter the historic center.
Look at the squares, the Duomo, the Rocca, the small shops of local artisans: enter each one of them and let even the youngest ones experience a part of history and tradition long gone.

In case you still have energies, you just need to take a long and relaxing walk along the Via Francigena. The walk starts from Piazza della Cisterna and winds for over 32 km along the Tuscan countryside but you certainly don’t have to go all the way: it’s up to you to choose how much time to dedicate and how to explain its history and importance to children!

Visiting San Gimignano as it was in the distant 1300s is possible by seeing the reconstruction of the city, on a 1: 100 scale, in an exhibition space of about 27 square meters inside the historic center.

This small but faithful attraction will surely fascinate both children and adults and will pleasantly occupy the precious time of your day.

Taste the typical products

To finish the day, before returning to the hotel, don’t miss the opportunity to taste the typical Tuscan products

Enter one of the many restaurants in the area and let your children experience the goodness of local cold cuts and cheeses, typical dishes and timeless desserts. The grown-ups just have to add a good Tuscan red wine and the holiday is done!