If you like to explore beyond the obvious and discover destinations in Tuscany away from the mass tourism circuit, today’s tip is the town of San Miniato. This medieval village is located right in the middle of the route between Pisa and Florence and is well worth a visit. Read the article to find out why.
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Main Attractions in San Miniato
San Miniato is a village in Tuscany famous for its truffle festival, the Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco, which takes place in the fall in Italy. The first time I set foot in the city was back in 2009, when my husband still had long hair, and I had no idea that one day I would have two daughters! From that time, I remember a bustling city, full of people and the delicious aroma of food in the air.
Years later, I started visiting San Miniato again, this time for sports: I accompany my daughters to tennis tournaments held at the Tennis Club San Miniato.
Depending on the match schedule, we always take the opportunity to stroll through the historic center. The interesting thing is that our visits are usually outside the high season, so we experience a different version of San Miniato—quiet, peaceful, and serene.
Many people also visit San Miniato during a pilgrimage, as the city is on the Via Francigena route.
To give you an idea of what you will find there, below I share some of the main attractions of San Miniato.
Rocca di Federico II
The Rocca di Federico II is one of the most important historical symbols of the charming city of San Miniato in Tuscany.
Built between 1217 and 1223 at the request of Frederick II, King of Sicily and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, the original tower was about 37 meters high, crowned by cylindrical brick columns, a striking feature that gave it great grandeur.
Frederick II, known as “Stupor Mundi” (“The Wonder of the World”), turned the fortress into a central piece for strategic control of Central Italy, dominating the territories between the important cities of Pisa, Lucca, and Florence.
Besides being a military strategic point, the Rocca di Federico also served as a state prison. The most famous prisoner was the imperial advisor Pier della Vigne, whose story is immortalized by Dante Alighieri in the 13th canto of Inferno in the Divine Comedy.
Although it was destroyed by German forces during World War II, the tower was carefully rebuilt in 1958, faithfully preserving its original shape. Today, it is an unmissable panoramic point, offering breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills and valleys.
Opening Hours of Rocca di Federico II:
December to March:
- Friday / Saturday / Sunday / Holidays
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
April to May:
- Tuesday / Friday / Saturday / Sunday / Holidays
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
June to September:
- Tuesday to Sunday / Holidays
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
October to November:
- Tuesday / Friday / Saturday / Sunday / Holidays
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
- Full price: €4
- Reduced price: €3 (university students, visitors under 18 or over 65, members of Unicoop Firenze, and cultural/tourism associations such as TCI and FAI)
- Local residents and pilgrims: €3
- Family ticket: €10 (valid for two adults and children under 18)
- Combo ticket: €6.50, which also grants access to the Museo della Memoria and the Museo del Palazzo Comunale.
Seminary of San Miniato
The Seminario Vescovile di San Miniato is another prominent building in San Miniato.
Built in 1650, it was completed only 63 years later, at the beginning of the 18th century. Between 1705 and 1708, Monsignor Giovanni Francesco Maria Poggi commissioned Francesco Chimenti from Fucecchio to decorate the façade, giving the building the majestic appearance that still fascinates visitors today.
The façade of the Seminary stands out with 30 allegorical frescoes, each representing Christian virtues such as Faith, Hope, and Charity. These images are accompanied by biblical verses or quotes from the Fathers of the Church, helping visitors understand the meaning and importance of these virtues in religious tradition.
A curious fact is that its inspiration comes from the famous work “Iconologia” by Cesare Ripa, published in 1593 and a reference for artists for centuries. This influence is evident in the representations of Chastity and Christian Religion on the building’s façade.
See more information about the Seminary of San Miniato here.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta e San Genesio Martire
A few meters from the Seminary, after a short staircase, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta e San Genesio Martire captivates visitors with its fascinating historical trajectory.
Originally called Santa Maria in Sala, this medieval church served as a parish for imperial vicars during the time of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa.
Its significance increased after the destruction of the Borgo di San Genesio in 1248, when it gained baptismal and burial rights, becoming a key religious institution in the region.
Over the centuries, the Cathedral has undergone various architectural and stylistic transformations. Its current structure dates back to the 13th century, during the reign of Emperors Henry VI and Frederick II, standing out with its three naves with a transept and a bell tower known as Torre di Matilde.
On the façade, an intriguing detail catches the eye: 32 decorative ceramic bowls, many of which originate from the Mediterranean and feature geometric and animal motifs. It is believed that they are arranged to represent constellations, serving as a spiritual guide for the faithful, much like the North Star guides navigators.
The Cathedral also underwent significant restorations in the 18th and 19th centuries, acquiring Baroque and Neoclassical elements. These renovations included decorative paintings, new altars, an impressive dome painted by Annibale Gatti, and the addition of Neoclassical columns.
Visiting this monument today is like taking a journey through time, with every architectural and artistic detail reflecting the transformations that the city of San Miniato has experienced over the centuries.
San Miniato: 30th stage of the Via Francigena
Continuing down the street from the Seminary of San Miniato, you will find the Ostello San Miniato, which welcomes pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena. I didn’t go inside to see what it was like, but it is advisable to check the schedule and rates in advance.
It is also possible to book a stay at Ostello San Miniato through Booking.com.
But what is the Via Francigena?
The Via Francigena is an ancient medieval route that once connected the territories ruled by the Franks to Rome. Originally, it was used by pilgrims traveling to the Eternal City. Today, it is an important cultural and tourist route, officially recognized by the Council of Europe, attracting travelers seeking sustainable tourism experiences and historical heritage.
The official route of the Via Francigena is based on the journey documented by the English Archbishop Sigeric in the 10th century, when he carefully recorded his pilgrimage to Rome.
The full route currently stretches 2,200 kilometers, crossing four European countries—England, France, Switzerland, and Italy—offering breathtaking landscapes, including Alpine mountains, medieval villages, vineyard-covered hills, and regions rich in cultural traditions.
In Italy alone, the route spans approximately 1,020 kilometers, passing through iconic locations in Tuscany, such as San Miniato, before continuing to Vatican City in Rome.
Although the Via Francigena can be traveled year-round, the best months to fully enjoy the journey are May, June, September, and October, due to the mild weather conditions. Some sections, especially those crossing the Alps or the Apennines, may be challenging in winter due to snow. Therefore, it is always advisable to check weather conditions before setting out.
Whether for spiritual, historical, or cultural reasons, the Via Francigena offers a remarkable and enriching experience for travelers of all ages.
Find more details about Via Francigena:
Church of the Santissimo Crocifisso
Also located in the center of San Miniato, the Church or Sanctuary of the Santissimo Crocifisso (in Italian: Chiesa e Santuario del Santissimo Crocifisso) stands out as a remarkable 18th-century structure in Tuscany. Designed by architect Ferri, it was built on a particularly challenging site, making use of the steep terrain just below the famous Rocca di Federico.
One of the main attractions of this sanctuary is the beautiful panoramic staircase that connects it directly to the Palazzo Comunale, making it a must-see spot for photos among tourists exploring the charming historic center of San Miniato.
Despite the sobriety and delicacy of its exterior decoration, the interior of the church is strikingly rich in artistic expression. Designed in the shape of a Greek cross, all the walls are covered with detailed frescoes depicting significant scenes from the Old Testament, created by the talented artist Anton Domenico Bamberini. The interior is further enhanced by decorative elements that transport visitors directly into the sacred and Baroque atmosphere of the 18th century.
At the heart of the sanctuary lies the main altar, where a precious urn holds one of San Miniato’s most significant religious relics: the Crocifisso di Castelvecchio, a wooden sculpture dating back to the 11th century, revered for centuries for its reputation as a miraculous icon.
This relic is safeguarded by a highly valuable painting depicting the Resurrected Christ, a masterpiece created by Francesco Lanfranchi in 1525. According to tradition, it was due to miracles attributed to the Crocifisso that the town’s bishop decided to build the current sanctuary, further strengthening the spiritual and cultural significance of this site in the region’s history.
How to Reach San Miniato
Below you will find the main transportation options to reach San Miniato.
By Car
Travelers driving to San Miniato can easily access the town via the Firenze-Pisa-Livorno (FI-PI-LI) highway, which connects to the region’s main motorways (A1 and A11). Take the San Miniato exit and follow the signs for San Miniato Alto.
Note: You will first pass through San Miniato Basso, but the historic center is located in the upper part of the town.
Read also: Navigating the ZTL: Unveiling Italy’s Unique Traffic Zones
By Train
The nearest train station is San Miniato-Fucecchio, located in San Miniato Basso. It lies on the Florence-Pisa railway line, which connects two of Tuscany’s main cities. You can check schedules and purchase your train ticket on the Trenitalia website.
Upon arrival, you can take bus line 320, which directly connects the station to the historic center (San Miniato Alto). This bus departs from Piazza della Stazione at regular intervals on weekdays and holidays, making access to the historic center easy. Check schedules and details on the Autolinee Toscane website.
By Plane
For those arriving in Tuscany by plane, the Amerigo Vespucci Airport in Florence is the closest option, located approximately 34 km away. From the airport, take tram line T2 to Piazza dell’Unità Italiana, which is just a short walk from Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. From there, take a regional train to San Miniato-Fucecchio.
Read also: How to get from Florence Airport to the city center.
Another option is Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa, about 43 km away. From the airport, take the Pisamover to Pisa Centrale train station, and from there, board a regional train to San Miniato-Fucecchio.
See the original article on the Brasil na Italia website.
Whether you’re visiting for its famous truffle festival or its tranquil off-season charm, San Miniato promises an unforgettable experience.
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