San  Miniato​

Latest page update: 6 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
The hill town of San Miniato is situated within​ the Province of Pisa, a distance of 43 kilometres east of Florence, the regional capital of Tuscany. 

​Standing at an elevation of 140 metres above sea level it has a population of around 28,000 residents. Nearby places of interest include Certaldo, Vinci and Medici Villa La Ferdinanda - Artimino.
Related links
San Miniato • Tuscany • Historic Town
San Miniato is a historic town located in the province of Pisa, in central Tuscany. Set atop a hill in the heart of the region, it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see. San Miniato is well-known for its medieval character, with cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and impressive towers that reflect its rich history. The town is a great example of Tuscany's charming hilltop villages, combining both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The town's main landmark is the Church of San Miniato, dedicated to the town's patron saint, which sits at the top of the hill and offers sweeping views over the area. San Miniato is also famous for its truffles, particularly the prized white truffle, which is celebrated every year during the town's truffle festival. The historic centre is full of delightful shops, cafes, and local eateries, where visitors can taste traditional Tuscan dishes made with local ingredients.

Nearby, the town of Pisa, with its iconic Leaning Tower and other historical landmarks, is easily accessible, providing plenty of cultural exploration. The charming town of Certaldo, known for its medieval centre and association with the writer Boccaccio, is also a short drive away. For those interested in nature, the surrounding hills and forests offer numerous walking and cycling trails, providing opportunities to explore the scenic beauty of the Tuscan countryside. San Miniato's location, with its mix of history, nature, and gastronomy, makes it a perfect base for discovering the best of Tuscany.​
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • San Miniato Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Miniato): This stunning cathedral is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles and stands as a symbol of the town's religious and architectural heritage. Inside, visitors can admire beautiful frescoes and artworks.
  • Rocca di Federico II: The fortress of Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It's a great spot to appreciate the beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
  • Piazza del Duomo: The central square of San Miniato is a lively hub with cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings. It's a perfect place to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.
  • White Truffles: San Miniato is renowned for its production of white truffles, a delicacy prized by chefs worldwide. If you visit during the truffle season (October to December), you can experience truffle markets and festivals.
  • Historical Centre: Explore the medieval streets and alleys of the town's historical centr, which is dotted with picturesque squares and artisan shops.
  • Fucecchio Marsh Nature Reserve: For nature lovers, the neearby Fucecchio Marsh offers an opportunity to discover the local flora and fauna while enjoying walks or guided tours.
  • Festivals and Events: San Miniato hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating its history, culture, and local traditions. The "Settimana Musicale di Musica da Camera" is a notable music festival that draws visitors from all around.
Comune di San Miniato
Province: Pisa

Region: Tuscany

Population: 27,807​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 102 km²

Elevation: 140 metres

​Close by: Certaldo, Vinci, Medici Villa La Ferdinanda - Artimino

Recommended hotel: Villa Sonnino

San  Miniato​​  Gallery

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.