Sergio Falaschi

Top choice in Northwestern Tuscany


The most famous macelleria (butcher's shop) in town, run by the same family since 1925, is where most local restaurants buy their outstandingly excellent meat. Forge your way past the counter into the back of the ceramic-tiled shop to feast on feisty dishes of the day made from local Chianina beef and cinta senese (indigenous Tuscan pork from Siena).

Try to sample local Slow Food favourite mallegato (blood sausage) and arrive on the dot to snag the best table in the house – on a bijou covered terrace with a panoramic valley view.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northwestern Tuscany attractions

1. Torre Camponaria della Cattedrale

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Climb this 12th-century bell tower, built as a watch tower for the adjoining Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e di San Genesio, for a lovely city view.

2. Torre di Frederico II

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No visit to San Miniato is complete without a stiff hike up to this reconstructed medieval fortress tower – the panorama at the grassy top is wonderful.

3. Museo Piaggio

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4. Martelli Pasta Factory

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5. Chiesa di Sant'Agostino

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6. Polo Museale Santa Chiara

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7. Rocca di Montestaffoli

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The crumbling shell of the town's 14th-century fortress commands views across the valley and has a small playground and plenty of space to picnic in. It's…