Photographing Tuscany – San Miniato
If you have
Tuscany in your sights and are planning a trip there soon,
San Miniato is a great location to warm up your camera. Sitting high and pretty atop three hills, the medieval town of San Miniato dominates the Arno valley and will certainly catch your eye as you drive the main road from Pisa to Florence. In the XII century, the town was fortified with walls and defensive towers, which are still well preserved today. Today San Miniato is an important economic centre and well-known for its traditional leather work and white truffle production.
Here are 5 great vantage points in and around San Miniato you can’t afford to miss!
1) View from the Rocca di Federico II
Built originally in 1220 by Frederick II of Sweden, this tower was destroyed during WWII and completely restored in 1956. Because of its strategic position, the tower boasts magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and the city of San Miniato
2) Santuario del santissimo Crocifisso di Castelvecchio
Capture the exterior of this magnificent 18th century Sanctuary with the Rocca in the background; don’t miss the adjacent staircase and the beautiful interior of the church.
3) View from the Torre di Matilde
From this great vantage point you’ll have wonderful views of Piazza del Seminario, Torre of Federico II and the Sanctuary. Go in winter to capture sunset from the tower within opening hours.
4) Piazza del Duomo
Blue hour in this beautiful piazza is wonderful as the buildings are illuminated. From here you can capture the Torre di Matilde, the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Genesio, the Palazzo Vescovile and Rocca of Federico II.
5) View from Via Francigena
Via Francigena is an ancient road forming part of the pilgrim route running from France to Rome. From here you can capture views of San Miniato surrounded by woods. This spot is particularly stunning in autumn when colours are at their best.
For exact locations and to discover more incredible photo locations, check out Stefano Coltelli’s SNAPP Guide to photographing San Minato, Tuscany
