When we are about to reach Prato della Rocca, and to climb the Tower of Frederick II in San Miniato, we realize that we are in one of the most central places in Tuscany! In fact, from up here you can see some of the most famous provinces such as Pisa, Florence, Lucca, Pistoia, Siena and in fact San Miniato is also called the “city of XX miles” as it is more or less these kilometers from some of the most famous cities in our region: you can see the towers of San Gimignano, the bell tower of Volterra, Mount Pisano, Fiesole and on windy days even the sea on the horizon!
But in the surroundings of San Miniato it is possible to visit even less known places or that perhaps do not have the great fame of those mentioned above! A few minutes away from our medieval village we have many small towns that hide historical and architectural treasures that we will try to make you discover in a nutshell
Castelfiorentino
Known mainly as Castello, is a town in the province of Florence. The main meeting place is the large Piazza Gramsci with the Teatro del Popolo and one of the main museums is the “Bego”, an exhibition dedicated to the artist Benozzo Gozzoli.
Cerreto Guidi
Town in the province of Florence famous for the beautiful Medici villa that dominates the entire valley from the top of the hill.
Empoli
Municipality in the province of Florence known mainly for the Empoli FC football team, but also for the glass museum and the collegiate church of Sant’Andrea which overlooks the famous Piazza Farinata degli Uberti (better known as Piazza dei Leoni thanks to its fountain).
Fucecchio
Municipality in the province of Florence famous for the Palio delle Contrade and for the beautiful Marshes where it is possible to take walks and observe the flora and fauna that inhabit it.
Montaione
Municipality in the province of Florence. From the top of its hill stands its small village and its castles scattered in the surrounding countryside.
Montelupo Fiorentino
Municipality in the province of Florence known mainly for its ceramic and glass processing but also for the beautiful Villa Medicea dell’Ambrogiana.
Montopoli in Val d’Arno
Municipality in the province of Pisa. Famous for its historical re-enactment, its towers and palaces that have overlooked the historic center for centuries.
Santa Croce sull’Arno
A town in the province of Pisa particularly famous for the processing and export of leather and hide.
Palaia
Municipality in the province of Pisa and famous for its characteristic historic center. The road that crosses it led to Volterra in the Etruscan era and in the surrounding area there is Villa Saletta, a famous medeival village of Lombard origin.
Vinci
Municipality in the province of Florence known mainly for being the birthplace of the genius Leonardo da Vinci. Here it is possible to visit the medieval village, the Leonardiano museum and a little further on the birthplace in Anchiano.
