San Miniato is a tiny, Medieval hill town, divided by the Arno River Valley and characterized by a wonderful uncontaminated rural panorama. San Miniato is often called the "XX Mile City" because of its special geographical position along the route "Via Francigena" in the heart of the Arno River Valley, at the intersection of roads between Florence, Pisa, Lucca and Siena, as well as Pistoia, San Gimignano, Volterra and Vinci, all located within twenty miles of San Miniato.
San Miniato is famous for producing the best white truffles, renowned and exported all over the world. Every fall, the San Miniato area comes alive with exhibitions, stands, theater performances and fine dining as locals, food-loving tourists and international traders descend upon the area. During the festival a prize is given to the biggest truffle and to the oldest truffle hunter, and everyone enjoys traditional truffle-based dishes, giving visitors a true taste of the area and a longing to relive the experience again.
San Miniato's origins are Etruscan, with later Roman colonies, giving it an important artistic and architectural heritage. Civil Ceremonies in San Miniato are held in the fresco-filled Wedding Hall of Palazzo del Comune, with its 19th century facade. Ceremonies may also be held in the Oratorio del Loretino, with panels by famous painter Francesco Lanfranchi and a wooden altar from 1527.
For couples planning Religious Ceremonies, Symbolic Ceremonies or Religious Blessings, San Miniato's countryside is rich in Roman-style churches and chapels, as well as ancient villas, castles and farmhouses. San Miniato has managed to preserve the richness of popular traditions which allows tourists to experience old Tuscan emotions and memories.
The small town of Vinci is known all over the world for being the birthplace of Leonardo Da Vinci, artist, scientist and inventor, who made his hometown famous. The ancient settlement is located on the slope of the Monte Albano hill, in one of the most picturesque areas of Tuscany, surrounded by fields and vineyards. Besides being Leonardo's hometown, Vinci has really everything that the world loves about Tuscany: beautiful landscapes, excellent olive oil, superb wines & food, spectacular art and history.
The surrounding countryside is one of the most densest in Tuscany, in terms of olive groves, and as result, a very good Extra Virgin Olive Oil is produced here. Why not bring home a bottle from Leonardo's hometown? World-renowned wines like Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Trebbiano and Malvasia are also produced in this area.
Civil Ceremonies can be celebrated inside the oldest part of Vinci, in the 12th century Castello di Guidi, built by the Conti Guidi, which today houses the Museo Leonardiano. There it's possible to see Leonardo's engineering ideas as well as some models constructed following his sketches and drawings. During the summer it's even possible to get married with a Civil Ceremony at Leonardo's birthplace in Anchiano, outdoors in a hilltop farmhouse with a stunning view of an impressive olive grove. Your wedding can become a full-immersion experience into Leonardo da Vinci's world, especially for die-hard fans and art-history lovers.
Catholic Ceremonies can be held in the wonderful Romanesque Church with a bell tower near the Castello dei Conti Guidi, which boasts a stunning view, or at one of the lovely and more intimate country chapels of the surrounding area. Vinci also offers Accommodation & Reception Venues to suit all budgets, from the simplest farmhouses to luxurious villas with pools, making it the ideal base for exploring all areas of Tuscany.