San Miniato, Tuscany photography guide

San Miniato is a medieval town in the province of Pisa, Tuscany. Sitting high and pretty atop three hills, 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 center and well-known for its traditional leather work and white truffle production. There are many impressive sights including The Duomo (Cathedral), beautiful churches such as The Church Of San Francesco and its convent, and the Church of San Domenico. The main attractions are The Tower of Federico II overlooking the entire valley and the Tower of Matilde.

San Miniato is one of the european towns crossed by the Via Francigena, once the main connecting route between northern Europe and Rome. Today the road it’s still active with many pilgrims traveling to reach Rome.

Although just a small town, San Miniato offers limitless opportunities for photographers who are always surprised at the range and diversity on offer with stunning landscapes, rolling hills, sweeping vistas and traditional medieval and roman architecture.

Come in autumn/winter for morning mists or May/June for spring flowers and colours. October/November is perfect for autumn reds and sprawling vineyards, but opportunities abound whenever you visit.