The ancient brick well in question (pozzo means well) is in L'Antico Pozzo's entrance hall. This fine, 15thC townhouse is situated on one of the pedestrian streets leading up to San Gimignano's central Piazza del Duomo; the building was beautifully restored in 1990, and is now, in our view, possibly the best place to stay in town. A stone staircase leads up to the large first floor bedrooms and the breakfast room, the latter known as the Sala Rosa, thanks to its deep pink walls. The waxed and worn terracotta tiles on this floor are original, as are the high, beamed ceilings. Several rooms have delicate frescoes; in one, the walls and ceiling are entirely painted with garlands of flowers and elegant, dancing figures.

Rooms on the upper floors are smaller, but still most attractive. Those at the top have attic ceilings and views of the famous towers or countryside to compensate for their small size. The furnishings throughout are in simple good taste; carefully-chosen antiques mix well with the wrought-iron beds; colours are muted. A pretty, walled terrace is an added bonus. Recent reports on Il Pozzo have been generally very positive although several mention steep stairs (there is also a lift) and a lack of public sitting areas.