A Guide To Visiting The Town Of San Miniato On Holiday In Tuscany

Romantic and perfectly picturesque, San Miniato can trace its origins back to the Etruscans and Romans, with archaeological discoveries attesting to both this and the fact that the wider area has been settled since the Paleolithic era. The core of the existing town dates to the 8th century AD when the Longobards built a church dedicated to the martyr Miniato. These Germanic origins are why the town is often referred to San Miniato al Tedesco. Over the next five hundred years, the town became an important Medieval bastion and Frederick II of Swabia eventually built his castle there in 1218, which then made it the focal point for central Italy's tax collection. As Swebian power declined, the town became an independent comm=une before falling under the influence of Florence and the Medici. With the help of Maria Maddalena of Austria, the wife of Cosimo dei Medici, San Miniato became the bishop's see in 1622 and thrived and expanded. In the 18th century, the establishment of a seminary, the Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix, and various other academies and institutions enriched the cultural life of the town and, by the 19th century it was a well-established centre of culture, learning, and industry. While damage during bombing in WWII took its toll on the town, San Miniato was subsequently rebuilt and repaired and has ensured that its heritage and aesthetic appeal remain well-preserved.

Today, San Miniato is a wonderful place to wander, take in the pretty historic core, discover the various beautiful buildings and artistic gems, and to admire sweeping vistas over the surrounding landscape between Pisa and Florence. Must-see spots include the lovely Piazza della Repubblica with its curved Medieval façade housing craftsmen's workshops dating back to the 1300s and the striking red brick Duomo with its little museum housing works by the likes of Filippo Lippi, Fra Bartolomeo, and Verrocchio. Some other highlights are the fourteenth century church of San Domenico with artworks by Masolino da Panicale and Donatello, the gorgeous Palazzo Formichini with its collection featuring pieces by Guercino, Lorenzo di Bicci, Jacopo del Sellaio, Cigoli, and Giovanbattista Naldini, and the massive fourteenth century convent of San Francesco. Many more architectural gems, incredible works of art, historic monuments, and more are dotted throughout and around the town, as well.

Of course, as we mentioned at the top, food is also an important part of the heritage and identity of San Miniato. It is one of the best places to go foraging for white truffles and you can join guided expeditions to search for them yourself (with the cute dogs who have been trained to sniff them out for generations!). If you prefer just enjoying your food without having to track it down yourself, you can buy the truffles and lots of different local dishes and products featuring the beloved ingredient. If you visit the town during the last three weekends of November you can attend the annual Mostra Mercato di Tartufi fair, which has become renowned among foodies the world over. Other annual events in the town and surrounding area that are worth checking out include a leather festival, a duck-racing festival called the Palio Papero, and a kite-making and flying festival called the Festa di Aquilone.

So, if you have found a villa in Pisa and are planning some day-trips and outings for your time in Tuscany, then be sure to pencil in a visit to this beautiful and charming town that is full of pretty views, good food, artistic gems, fun festivals, and more.