Frederick II Tower, Medieval fortified tower in San Miniato, Italy.

Frederick II Tower is a 37-metre red-brick tower of slightly trapezoidal plan, rebuilt in 1958 on the highest of San Miniato's three hills at 192 metres above sea level. Its flat facade rises from a rougher brick base, pierced by small evenly spaced holes, a narrow vertical slit, two square openings and a larger arched window below; the top carries projecting rounded brick corbels and arches.

Emperor Frederick II ordered this tower built in the 13th century to control the strategic route between Florence and Pisa militarily. The original structure was destroyed in 1944 and completely rebuilt in 1958 by architect Renato Baldi.

The tower is the symbol of San Miniato, and its name recalls Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, who had the fortress built between 1217 and 1223. Tradition holds that Pier della Vigna, the emperor's former secretary fallen into disgrace, was blinded inside it. An inscription on the tower named the imperial chancellor Corrado da Spira as overseer of the construction.

The staircase leads up to an observation platform offering wide views over the surrounding region. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven medieval steps.

An inscription on the tower recorded that the imperial chancellor Corrado da Spira supervised its construction. Tradition also holds that Pier della Vigna, Frederick II's disgraced secretary, was blinded inside the tower. The structure's features point to Norman craftsmen taking part in the work.