A place travelers can visit San Miniato al Monte Basilica

Reviews: San Miniato al Monte Basilica

General description: San Miniato al Monte Basilica

San Miniato al Monte
This gem of Romanesque architecture, located on a hill south of the Arno, is visible from far and wide. From the square in front of the church, you have a wonderful view of Florence.
 
History of San Miniato al Monte
There has been a church on this spot since Charlemagne's day, presumably erected above the grave of St Minias who died a martyr's death in 250 AD during Christian persecutions. His remains are kept in a shrine in the crypt. The current basilica was built between 1018 and 1207. The façade, in incrustation style is adorned with white Carrara marble and dark green serpentine. Floors, choir screens and pulpit are decorated with precious marble inlay work. The apse mosaic showing Christ enthroned dates back to 1297 and has been restored several times. At the end of the central nave, between the steps which lead to the raised choir, one can see a barrel vaulted marble chapel by Michelozzo (1448) with coffered ceiling with rosettes and coloured majolica tiles by Luca della Robbia. The altar panels (around 1396) come from the workshop of Agnolo Gaddis. In the left side nave is the Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal, who died in Florence in 1439, aged 25. The tomb was designed by Rossellino, while the chapel ceiling and the round pictures of coloured and glazed terracotta were made by Luca della Robbia (1461-66). The church and the Palazzo dei Vescovi which was added on, belonged between 1373 and 1552 - as they do again now - to the Olivetan Benedictines.
 
Porte Sante Cemetery
To the left of the church façade, past the shop in which the monks sell their herb liqueur, is the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, where respected Florentine citizens were laid to rest.

Address
Via del Monte alle Croci
50125 Florence

Opening times
Mon-Sun: 08:00 - 12:00, 15:00 - 18:00
 
Website: http://www.san-miniato-al-monte.com

• 
  
• Pure Romanesque architecture with one of the most delightful views across the city.
  

---