San Miniato is a lovely town between Florence and Pisa. It sits on 3 hilltops and was an important strategic lookout point in ancient times because of its prominent position along the Via Francigena, the road that connected France to Rome. Its lofty position offered excellent views over the Arno Valley and surrounding countryside.
The historical centre is small and easy to navigate. There is a car park in the centre and more parking below the town with an enormous lift to bring you to the top.
I wandered through the piazza and found this.
It has a map and information about San Miniato inside…and a cool place to sit on a hot day.
I walked further uphill and through an arch.
This is the Piazza della Republica. The slightly curved building dates from medieval times when it formed part of the city walls. The wooden doors at the bottom would open to become a shop counter. They date from the 13th century. The decoration above the doors is from the 1600s.
There are a couple of stairways to take you up to the open courtyard above where you will find the Palazzo dei Vicari dell’Imperatore with its ancient tower. The tower predates the 12th century building.
In the same courtyard is the cathedral dating from the 12th century.
The pulpit featuring bas relief dates from 1274.
The marble font is from 1638.
I don’t know how of the stained glass window is.
There are great views from the courtyard in front of the church.
From there it is a pretty walk up to the Torre di Federico II, built around 1217 – 1221.
The stronghold was the centre of a defence system, which included other towers and the bell tower of the cathedral. From here the roads between Florence and Pisa and the Francigena between the Valdelsa and Lucca could be guarded. The tower was destroyed in 1944 but was later rebuilt in its original form. Today it is has a grassed area beside it which is used for festivals, one of which is the Festa Aquilone, the kite festival, held the first Sunday after Easter.
There are 360 degree views from the grassy platform.
Back in the centre I found a delightful shop owned by a couple who make all the glass pieces they sell.
The area is famous for white truffles. San Miniato has several places where you can buy truffle products and they feature on restaurant menus.
This well stocked Alimentari drew me in. I wish is was my local!
I had read about an excellent vegetarian restaurant called Maggese in San Miniato. Unfortunately it was not open when I visited but I pressed my nose against the door and decided I must return.
Nearby I found Essenza where I had lunch.
Everything, including the bread, was delicious.
The amuse-bouche featured truffles.
Since San Miniato is famous for truffles I chose the tagliolini with fresh truffles. I think it is the best pasta I have eaten in Italy.
The filetto di manzo lardellato was perfectly cooked.
San Miniato is just over an hour away from home in Bagni di Lucca…I will be back soon.