Once upon a time at San Gimignano there was a little café where wayfarers could rest, refresh themselves and enjoy good conversation. Even fables can sometimes come true as today there still exists the "BAR CAFFE' GELATERIA COMBATTENTI" bar, café and meeting place since 1924.

It lies just inside the walled town on the left hand side after passing through the main town gate "Porta San Giovanni". You cannot fail to recognise it as its impressive frontage, of three medieval arches, immediately attracts your attention and invites you to enter into this, the very first bar, café and ice cream shop at San Gimignano. Carrying on a long standing family tradition the café is run by the grandchildren of "Tono and Ceserina".

Here you can taste ice cream made according to old family recipes handed down from generation to generation. In 1997 "Combattenti's" ice cream called "Ricciarello di Siena" won 3rd prize in the "Spatola d'Oro" golden spoon competition.

This and many other traditional ice creams can be tasted as well as new creations such as "Pistilli di Zafferano" made from saffron cultivated at San Gimignano. As well as ice cream you will find many other specialities of the region to try such as the traditional cakes of Siena: Panforte, cantucci, nocini and ricciarelli all made with care and attention.

With respect for both tradition and the demands of today "Caffé Combattenti" also offers snacks such as sandwiches, crepes and garlic toasted bread. In the cafè's rustic cellar you can taste Chianti and "doc" Vernaccia wines, or try an afternoon snack of dessert wine and "cantucci" biscuits or simply enjoy a good cup of coffee.

You can also find a wide range of vintage grappa in a beautiful hand blown glass bottles and lots of other interesting things. We look forward to welcoming you to our splendid city where we are sure you will enjoy a memorable holiday.