The Polo Museale di Santa Chiara (Museum Center of Santa Chiara) includes the Spezieria di Santa Fina an exhibition of ceramic and glass vases taken from the ancient hospital which aided pilgrims on the Via di Francesco (San Gimignano is of the most beautiful stop off points along the path of the pilgrimage). On the upper floor you can find the Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery, with work from artists including Vacchi and Guttuso. When it comes to contemporary art, recently another initiative has managed to attract stars of the art world to exhibit their works and installations in the town: the Galleria Continua (Continuous Gallery), has been set up among the medieval streets as one of the most important exhibitions of contemporary art, promoting artists such as Kapoor, Chen Zhen, Lewitt and Pistoletto in three-monthly cycles. It is unquestionably one of the most intriguing places in the town, with the slightly bizarre contrast between the modernity of the gallery framed by a timeless, ancient setting. Finally, take a long walk along the walls that encircle the town along a pedestrian route that encompasses the towers and the gates. Allow yourself one last moment of enchantment with a lingering, wide open view of Valdelsa, before finally resolving to leave this wonderful place and set off for home.
