This vast open space provides a backdrop to San Miniato's monuments, including the 12C cathedral whose belfry was the former castle's defensive tower, the 13C Bishop's Palace , former residence of the Signori Dodici (12 magistrates of the town), t..

Below the Prato del Duomo, the predominant feature of this palace is its concave façade adorned with frescoes and Latin aphorisms by the Fathers of the Church. The lower section contains partially preserved medieval shop fronts.

The high brick tower, which stands on top of the flattened hilltop, was rebuilt to resemble the original Frederick Barbarossa's Rocca castle that was destroyed during the last war. It is also said to have been the scene of bloody events, according to..

Behind the cathedral is the 17C Crucifix Chapel containing a 10C crucifix to which it owes name.

The building contains frescoes by Giotto's School, together with an unexpected small church, Chiesa del Loretino , which has a precious altar made of marquetry with gilding, painting and a tabernacle decorated by Lanfranco.

The church dates from 1194 but it was altered on several occasions and the façade was never finished. One of the chapels is home to the admirable tomb of Giovanni Chellini (humanist doctor), attributed to Bernardo Rossellino.