San Miniato from Orentano
San Miniato is the closest hill town to Orentano and one of the most rewarding: a long, narrow ridge village crowned by the tower of Frederick II, with views that run from the Arno valley to the sea on a clear day.
It is famous above all for the white truffle — the surrounding hills are one of Italy's great truffle territories, and in November the town hosts a renowned white-truffle market that draws visitors from everywhere. The rest of the year, its restaurants and food shops still make it the area's gourmet capital.
Don't miss
- La Rocca di Federico II — The rebuilt tower of Frederick II at the highest point of town — the climb is short and the view is the whole lower Arno valley.
- The old town — A single ridge of palazzi, churches and lanes — Piazza della Repubblica and the Duomo terrace are the heart of it.
- White truffle — Truffle shops and restaurants year-round; the national white-truffle exhibition takes over the town on November weekends.
Getting there
About 25 minutes by car from Orentano, crossing the Arno at Fucecchio or Santa Croce. The San Miniato–Fucecchio railway station sits at the foot of the hill (a shuttle or a steep walk from the old town).
Back in the village by evening: see where to eat and what’s on tonight, or browse places to stay if Orentano isn’t your base yet.