San Miniato
This ancient center was founded in the 8th century.
In the Middle Ages, it became the seat of the Imperial Vicars who used it to control the entire territory. Dignitaries such as the Holy Roman Emperors, Frederick I (aka Federico Barbarossa) and Frederick II, brought prestige to the town and still today, architecture dating back to their days is visible.
The guided tour includes a visit to the Church of San Domenico with its Baroque frescoes and Renaissance paintings and sculptures, Piazza del Seminario, Piazza del Duomo, the main square dominated by the Duomo, Palazzo del Vescovo, Torre (Tower) Matilde, and the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, Torre (Tower) di Federico II, a symbol of Imperial power (entrance fee), and the Sanctuary of the Holy Crucifix of Castelvecchio, containing an ancient wooden cross, highly venerated in all of Tuscany in the 15th century and thought to be miraculous.
The prestigious and rare white truffle is hunted locally. It holds a prominent place in the local cuisine and has turned out to be an economic strength and source of attraction for the town with an annual fair dedicated to this ‘Food of the Gods’.
