As well as welcoming tourists and pilgrims, the Franciscan community are partners of the 'New Horizons' project, a private, international association of the faithful, approved by the Holy See. The association was founded in 1993 by Italian author and evangelist Chiara Amirante (b. 1966). Staffed by volunteers, New Horizons has the means to provide practical support, education and guidance to those who find themselves socially disadvantaged.
San Miniato is equidistant between Pisa, Florence, Lucca and Siena which makes the convent an ideal base from which to explore the area.
San Miniato is a medieval town replete with buildings, piazzas and works of art reflecting the era. Torre di Federico II, churches, museums, walls, gates and fortresses. Medieval historical area.
The Convent of San Francesco is situated on the route of the Via Francigena, the old pilgrim road from Canterbury in England to Rome. The convent lies atop a small rise, and hovers over the beautiful medieval town of San Miniato, from where dramatic Tuscan sunsets and views over the city of Florence and the famous rolling hills can be appreciated. The town is of Etruscan and Roman origins and its historical centre is encircled by city walls, gates, fortresses and medieval structures. The town cathedral, the Diocescan Museum of Sacred Art and the Church of San Domenico are flush with medieval frescos and precious artworks. The much prized white truffle grows in the area and is celebrated in a 3-week-long festival each November.
The Convent of San Francesco is said to have been founded by St Francis of Assisi, in 1211, when he visited the city. A large painting by Carlo Bambocci, depicting St Francis and St Clare dining in the convent refectory still hangs on the refectory wall.
The convent lies within a grandiose complex owing to renovations and extensions completed over the centuries.
| Room types | Prices per room from* | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Single with private bathroom | EUR 40.00 | plus €5.00 for breakfast |
| Twin beds with private bathroom | EUR 50.00 | plus €10.00 for breakfast |
| Double with private bathroom | EUR 50.00 | plus €10.00 for breakfast |
| Triple with private bathroom | EUR 60.00 | plus €15.00 for breakfast |
| Quadruple with private bathroom | EUR 70.00 | plus €20.00 for breakfast |
| Dormitory accommodation | EUR 30.00 | plus €5.00 for breakfast |
Monastery accommodation for tourists and pilgrims.
An invaluable online booking platform for modern-day travelers, pilgrims and groups and a guide to alternative accommodation in convents, monasteries, abbeys, religious guest houses, retreat centres and Christian hotels around the world.
