The small, picturesque town of San Miniato was located on the important via Francigena during medieval times, linking it with northern Europe and Rome. It was also located on the route between the Lucca-Siena and Florence-Pisa roads, giving it a wide range of influences from around Italy as well as abroad.
Yet this interesting town's history goes even further back than that, because archaeologists have found evidence that the city has been settled since the Paleolithic era, surviving through the Etruscan and Roman periods. Its long history of settlement may be due in part to its strategic location, on top of three small hills in the province of Pisa, Tuscany.
Yet this interesting town's history goes even further back than that, because archaeologists have found evidence that the city has been settled since the Paleolithic era, surviving through the Etruscan and Roman periods. Its long history of settlement may be due in part to its strategic location, on top of three small hills in the province of Pisa, Tuscany.
Today, visitors can wind their way through this well-preserved medieval walled city to see many of the top landmarks throughout the ages.
You may wish to view the famous Tower of Frederick, which was constructed in the 13th century by Frederick II. Although it was destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt in 1958.
Art enthusiasts will want to visit the Diocesan Museum, which houses important Renaissance works from Filippo Lippi, Fra Bartolomeo, and Verrocchio, among others.
There is a Cathedral located next to this museum, which was originally a Romanesque building but now incorporates both Renaissance and Gothic elements as well.
You may wish to view the famous Tower of Frederick, which was constructed in the 13th century by Frederick II. Although it was destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt in 1958.
Art enthusiasts will want to visit the Diocesan Museum, which houses important Renaissance works from Filippo Lippi, Fra Bartolomeo, and Verrocchio, among others.
There is a Cathedral located next to this museum, which was originally a Romanesque building but now incorporates both Renaissance and Gothic elements as well.
Other churches worth visiting on your stroll throughout the center of San Miniato include the church of San Francesco, dating back to the 13th century, and the 14th century Church of San Domenico.
This second church contains terracotta works by Luca della Robbie, and a burial monument sculpted by the famous Donatello. There is an underground passageway from this façade leading to the countryside, which may have originally been used as an escape route.
Throughout San Miniato you'll find other Renaissance palazzi, used by aristocratic families, which can be toured and admired for their elegant grandeur.
Although there are many historical and artistic sights to see in San Miniato, another reason to visit is for the famous white truffle festival. White truffles are even rarer than black truffles, and can command extremely high prices.
This festival is a gourmet's dream, and is well worth a visit. You can enjoy the beautiful Tuscan countryside and plan a day trip to this city by browsing through our huge selection of vacation rentals in San Miniato. Contact us through Skype, email, or phone to discuss your options, so that you can learn more about the sights and tastes of this region of Tuscany.
This second church contains terracotta works by Luca della Robbie, and a burial monument sculpted by the famous Donatello. There is an underground passageway from this façade leading to the countryside, which may have originally been used as an escape route.
Throughout San Miniato you'll find other Renaissance palazzi, used by aristocratic families, which can be toured and admired for their elegant grandeur.
Although there are many historical and artistic sights to see in San Miniato, another reason to visit is for the famous white truffle festival. White truffles are even rarer than black truffles, and can command extremely high prices.
This festival is a gourmet's dream, and is well worth a visit. You can enjoy the beautiful Tuscan countryside and plan a day trip to this city by browsing through our huge selection of vacation rentals in San Miniato. Contact us through Skype, email, or phone to discuss your options, so that you can learn more about the sights and tastes of this region of Tuscany.
