The Towers of San Gimignano

The hilltop town of San Gimignano is known for it's Medieval Towers. To show their wealth, the nobility built bigger and taller towers than their neighbors. May the tallest tower win. At one time there were 70 towers. Now there are only 15 left. Did the wealth vanish with the towers?


“Towers of San Gimignano”     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Roof Garden

It doesn't take much in a humid climate for plants to sprout on the roof.  An accumulation of dust and moisture provide fertile ground for seeds that travel in the wind or by our feathered friends.  And these centuries old (at least 500 years) roof tiles are no exception.  The medieval town of Beynac, France, perched high on a cliff,  has plenty of places for plants to sprout.

"Roof Garden"    © Kathy Dunham 2009