San Miniato

San Miniato is a charming medieval village spread across the peaks of three hills. Just 150 m above sea level, it dominates a wide landscape stretching from the coast to the Tuscan Apennines. Its position, both in the past and today, has always been strategic. San Miniato is halfway between Pisa and Florence, close to the Via Francigena and the river Arno.

The urban centre, threaded across the hillsides, offers a broad variety of stunning views. The historic centre has lots of sights to see, including churches, oratories, historic buildings and covered streets that can be easily visited on foot. Must-sees include:

- the Fortress of Frederick II;

- the town square and the Episcopal Seminary;

- the bishop's palace;

- the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption and St Genesius in Piazza Prato del Duomo;

- the former monastery of St Clare;

San Miniato, in addition to being an important city of art, is also an economic and industrial landmark in the Leather District, a slow food destination and one of the best places in Italy to go for white truffles.

The fields around the town are known for heritage crops such as the wrinkled tomato, the artichoke, the mignola olive and the variety of Kentucky tobacco used to produce the Tuscan cigar.

San Miniato is also the place of origin of the "mercatale", the market for kilometer zero agricultural and craft products.

The village has a very active community, which organises various cultural events at different times of the year. One of the best-known events is the National White Truffle Market, which takes place in the historic centre on the second, third and fourth weekends of November.