San Miniato
area operatoriSan Miniato
San Miniato, founded by the Lombards in the 8th century, took on a leading role under Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, first becoming the base of the imperial vicar in Tuscany and then an episcopal seat. The construction of the Seminary, with its distinctive frescoed facade, and the restoration of the Episcopal Palace, both located in the Cathedral area, date from this period.
San Miniato: a city of bishops and emperors. Centuries after Frederick Barbarossa, Napoleon spent time in San Miniato, where some of the Bonaparte family lived. Large portions of San Miniato's medieval buildings were regrettably destroyed during World War II (among them is Frederick's fortress, subsequently rebuilt). The Nazi massacre in the Cathedral was a particularly distressing episode. This incident inspired the Traviani brothers' film The Night of the Shooting Stars.
The historical centre of San Miniato has an interesting Museum System that links eight spots including museums, historical buildings and collections. At San Miniato Basso the Museum of Writing, meant primarily for children and students, covers the main stages in the history of writing from the Stone Age to the present day.
San Miniato offers a busy cultural calendar all year round, including events such as the international puppet theatre festival La luna è azzurra (late June), the Festa del Teatro (July) and the classical music festival Un castello di suoni (summer).
The highlight of the San Miniato calendar is, however, the National White Truffle Fair, taking place in the main streets and squares of the historical centre on the second, third and fourth weekends of November. In the period running up to the fair other truffle festivals are held in nearby towns, beginning in March with Cigoli (birth town of the painter Lucovico Cardi known as "Il Cigoli") and then Balconevisi and Corazzano.
The Grinzoso (wrinkled) tomato, the artichoke, the mallegato (a sort of black pudding) and the mignola olive are just some of the typical products that have helped San Miniato to become the City of Flavour and Slow Food.
San Miniato is one of the municipalities of the Comprensorio del Cuoio (Leather District), with industries based primarily around Ponte a Egola.
Useful links
Website of municipality of San Miniato San Miniato Promozione (local tourist board) Events in San Miniato Where to sleep
