Sitting atop three hillsides that dominate their section of the Arno river valley, San Miniato has resided for hundreds of years. Recorded history dates back to the time of Etruscans and the Romans, but archaeological evidence shows that a settlement of some type has existed on this spot since the Paleolithic era.
The city today lies in the province of Pisa and has roughly 27,000 people in it. On first inspection, San Miniato may not appear to be anything out of the ordinary for Tuscany. Look closer, and a bit lower and you just might find something though...
San Miniato is known for not something that grows above ground, such as the olives and grapes that are so iconic for the region. Instead, this small town produces 25% of Italy's white truffles, prized by chefs and gourmands everywhere. Known as the Tuber Magnatum Pico, or the Food of the Kings, it grows only centimeters below the ground and can be found in a very limited area. As many things in Italy, strict laws govern how the truffles can be gathered and sold. It was here in San Miniato that the largest white truffle on record was found. It was presented as a gift to a visiting Harry Truman just after the end of his presidency in 1954.
The city today lies in the province of Pisa and has roughly 27,000 people in it. On first inspection, San Miniato may not appear to be anything out of the ordinary for Tuscany. Look closer, and a bit lower and you just might find something though...
San Miniato is known for not something that grows above ground, such as the olives and grapes that are so iconic for the region. Instead, this small town produces 25% of Italy's white truffles, prized by chefs and gourmands everywhere. Known as the Tuber Magnatum Pico, or the Food of the Kings, it grows only centimeters below the ground and can be found in a very limited area. As many things in Italy, strict laws govern how the truffles can be gathered and sold. It was here in San Miniato that the largest white truffle on record was found. It was presented as a gift to a visiting Harry Truman just after the end of his presidency in 1954.
The small geographic region in which they grow, the strict rules for truffle hunting and selling, and the small season in which they are picked all contribute to make the white truffle one of the most sought after items for a chef's table. The truffles are only harvested in October, November and December. Knowledge of the truffles date back to the middle Ages, but it has been only in the last hundred years that the gathering has been organized. The families of the area created the Tartufai delle Colline Samminiatesi (Truffle Gatherers of the San Miniato Hills), a group of truffle hunters that pass down their families secrets and techniques over the years.
During November the city celebrates their cash crop with a truffle festival. One of the main city squares, the Piazza del Duomo, becomes almost a shrine to the truffle; as many different booths will spring up with different dishes or truffles for sale. The other city squares focus more on the other products of the city and surrounding cities in their own open-air markets. The festival has music, outdoor theater and enough pasta and truffle dishes to satiate any appetite.
While you are in San Miniato be sure to visit the restoration of the destroyed tower of La Rocca, the town's fortress that was built in the thirteenth century and bombed by the Nazis in World War II. The Church of San Francesco, Church of San Domenico, and the Duomo are all magnificent examples of architecture that match the beauty of the surrounding city.
If you are planning a trip to San Miniato during November, consider staying there in one of our many Tuscany villas in and around the city: all the better to savor the delicacy that has made this town so famous in recent history!
During November the city celebrates their cash crop with a truffle festival. One of the main city squares, the Piazza del Duomo, becomes almost a shrine to the truffle; as many different booths will spring up with different dishes or truffles for sale. The other city squares focus more on the other products of the city and surrounding cities in their own open-air markets. The festival has music, outdoor theater and enough pasta and truffle dishes to satiate any appetite.
While you are in San Miniato be sure to visit the restoration of the destroyed tower of La Rocca, the town's fortress that was built in the thirteenth century and bombed by the Nazis in World War II. The Church of San Francesco, Church of San Domenico, and the Duomo are all magnificent examples of architecture that match the beauty of the surrounding city.
If you are planning a trip to San Miniato during November, consider staying there in one of our many Tuscany villas in and around the city: all the better to savor the delicacy that has made this town so famous in recent history!
