San Miniato Opens the 54th White Truffle Fair:A Cittaslow-Inspired Model of Territorial Quality and Cooperation

San Miniato has officially inaugurated the 54th White Truffle Fair of the San Miniato Hills, one of Tuscany’s most renowned events and a significant example of how local communities can enhance their identity and excellence through cooperation, sustainability, and long-term vision.

The 2025 edition marks an important milestone with the signing of the “San Miniato Hills” protocol, recognized by Regional Law 36/2023. The project brings together 30 municipalities across the provinces of Pisa and Florence, united by a shared commitment to landscape protection, environmental quality, cultural promotion, and local food heritage — all core values of the Cittaslow philosophy.

A Shared Commitment to Territorial Well-Being

During the opening ceremony, Azzurra Gronchi, President of the San Miniato Promotion Foundation, and Mayor Simone Giglioli highlighted the importance of collaborative work between institutions and communities.Their common goal: strengthening a clear and recognizable territorial identity built on cooperation, environmental stewardship, and the enhancement of local products.

Eugenio Giani, President of the Tuscany Region, emphasized the symbolic and economic value of the truffle as an ambassador of a healthy landscape and a driver of local culture and high-quality production.

Culture, Identity and a New Visual Language

This year’s Fair introduces a new visual identity, modern and accessible, created to reflect the values and recognizability of the San Miniato Hills.During the ceremony, the title of Truffle Ambassador was awarded to food and wine journalist Davide Paolini, long-time promoter of Italian culinary traditions and territorial excellence.

A rich cultural programme accompanies the event, including art exhibitions, thematic itineraries, guided tours, and meetings celebrating the history, creativity, and traditions of the city. Among the highlights is the MuTart – Museum of the Truffle, offering guided visits, sensory activities, and experiential pathways dedicated to nature and local heritage.

Sustainable Mobility and Quality Hospitality

In line with Cittaslow principles, the Fair adopts a sustainable mobility plan: the historic centre is accessible via a shuttle bus system, reducing traffic and promoting enjoyable, people-friendly public spaces.

The event’s warm and authentic welcome is made possible thanks to volunteers, cultural associations, and local operators, creating a slow, convivial, community-based atmosphere.

A Cittaslow Approach to Local Development

The White Truffle Fair of the San Miniato Hills stands as a strong example of how a small city can successfully promote:

• environmental and landscape quality,

• local traditions and knowledge,

• food excellence,

• community participation,

• a culture of hospitality.
  

A model fully aligned with the Cittaslow vision: improving quality of life, promoting the value of slowness, strengthening local identity, and building cooperative networks that place people and places at the centre.