Event Details
San Miniato White Truffle Fair 2026
Every November, the medieval hilltop town of San Miniato in Tuscany becomes the truffle capital of Europe. The 55th National White Truffle Market Exhibition (Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Tartufo Bianco) takes place over three consecutive weekends: 14/15, 21/22 and 28/29 November 2026. The historic centre around Piazza del Duomo transforms into Italy's largest open-air truffle fair, drawing between 60,000 and 100,000 visitors each season.
Highlights
- Tasting and purchasing the Tuber Magnatum Pico, the world's most prized truffle variety
- Producers' stalls on Piazza del Duomo and throughout the medieval alleys
- Show-cooking demonstrations by star chefs every Saturday and Sunday
- Wine tastings from the Vignaioli di San Miniato association
- Truffle hunting experiences with trained dogs in the surrounding hills
- Cultural events, exhibitions and conferences across the town
- Prize awarded to the largest truffle and oldest truffle hunter of the season
- Visit to MUTART, the Truffle Museum of the San Miniato Hills
Program & Dates 2026
The fair takes place across three weekends:
- 1st weekend: Saturday 14 November and Sunday 15 November 2026
- 2nd weekend: Saturday 21 November and Sunday 22 November 2026
- 3rd weekend (Grand Finale): Saturday 28 November and Sunday 29 November 2026
Stalls at Piazza del Duomo are open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Show-cooking events with renowned chefs take place every Saturday and Sunday; all dishes celebrate the white truffle from San Miniato, paired with wines from the local Vignaioli association. The full cultural program is published by the Fondazione San Miniato Promozione.
The White Truffle of San Miniato
The hills surrounding San Miniato provide the ideal conditions for the Tuber Magnatum Pico, the white truffle. Unlike other varieties, this prized fungus cannot be cultivated; it grows exclusively in select Italian regions and must be hunted wild. San Miniato holds a unique place in truffle history: in October 1954, truffle hunter Arturo Gallerini and his dog Parigi discovered the world's largest white truffle in the woods of Balconevisi. Weighing 2,520 grams, the extraordinary find was gifted to US President Dwight Eisenhower and is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. A wrought-iron monument in the town centre commemorates this legendary discovery.
Getting There & Shuttle Service
- During fair weekends, the historic centre is closed to private vehicles.
- A free shuttle bus runs from the car park in San Miniato Basso (Via Francesco Guerrazzi 102) to the historic centre.
- Saturday: first departure 10:00 AM, last departure 00:30 AM. Sunday: first departure 10:00 AM, last departure 11:30 PM.
- By train: San Miniato-Fucecchio station, then shuttle or taxi to the centre (approx. 5 km).
- From Florence: approximately 40 minutes by car or regional train.
- From Pisa: approximately 30 minutes by car.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: parking and shuttles fill up quickly after midday. Aim to arrive before 10:30 AM.
- Book restaurant reservations for truffle menus at least one week in advance.
- Wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes; the cobblestones of the medieval centre can be slippery in wet weather.
- Book accommodation in San Miniato or nearby towns (Empoli, San Miniato Basso) several months in advance.
- Entry to the open-air market is free. Show-cooking events and restaurant visits require reservations.
- Visit the MUTART (Museo del Tartufo delle Colline Sanminiatesi, Via IV Novembre 20) alongside the fair.
