11 In Central Italy/ General Info/ Italy

San Miniato Church | Highest Point in Florence, Italy

Stunning San Miniato - ouritalianjourney.com

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San Miniato Church

San Miniato Church is decorated with green and white marble in geometric patterns similar to the facades of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce. A 12th-century mosaic decorates the facade over a central window.

The full name, San Miniato al Monte, stands atop one of the highest points in the city. It is described as one of the most scenic churches in Italy and one of the finest Romanesque structures in Tuscany.

San Miniato al Monte, Firenze, Florence, UNESCO World Heritage Site

San Miniato Church, Florence, Italy

San Miniato al Monte Church, ouritalianjourney.com, Firenze, Florence, UNESCO, https://ouritalianjourney.com/san-miniato-church-florence/

 

The Fresco Walls

Most noteworthy, in addition to the beautiful church itself, the walls are covered with beautiful and colorful frescoes that are very well preserved. They are one of the true treasures of this church.

https://ouritalianjourney.com/san-miniato-church-florence/, San Miniato al Monte, Firenze, Florence, UNESCO, ouritalianjourney.com

Looking at the Back

San Miniato Church, Firenze, Florence, UNESCO, ouritalianjourney.com, https://ouritalianjourney.com/san-miniato-church-florence/

San Miniato Church, Florence, Firenze, UNESCO, ouritalianjourney.com, https://ouritalianjourney.com/san-miniato-church-florence/

The bell tower collapsed in 1499 and was replaced in 1523, although it was never finished. During the siege of Florence in 1530 it was used as an artillery post by the defenders and Michelangelo wrapped it in mattresses to protect it from enemy fire.
When you finally reach the church (it’s quite a hike up or you can take the bus) you will enjoy an impressive view of Florence even higher up than the beautiful Piazza Michelangelo. You can even see the last standing parts of the medieval walls that once surrounded Florence. Here is a view when you are leaving the church.

San Miniato al Monte, church, Florence, Firenze, ouritalianjourney.com, https://ouritalianjourney.com/san-miniato-church-florence/

The entire complex is surrounded by defensive walls which now enclose a cemetery from 1854.  The creator of PinocchioCarlo Collodi, is one of many buried in this cemetery.

In conclusion, it’s a bit funny because I say to myself, “Don’t do another post regarding a church”. Then we come across another church. This new find has amazing paintings, frescoes, and marblework.


ouritalianjourney.com, SanMiniato al Monte, Firenze, Florence, UNESCO, https://ouritalianjourney.com/san-miniato-church-florence/

 

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11 Comments

  • Reply
    TheRoyalTourBlog
    September 15, 2017 at 11:08 am

    I’ve never been to Florence, but when I do, I won’t miss this!!

    • Reply
      imodica
      September 15, 2017 at 4:20 pm

      Ahhhh, Florence is my favorite place in Italy. As of today, anyway. When you are ready to go – we have lots of suggestions of places you shouldn’t miss!! Let us know!

  • Reply
    Valerie Hansen
    September 15, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    What a beautiful building…and absolutely stunning photos…thanks for sharing!1

    VAlerie

  • Reply
    Promise Chika Maxwell
    September 15, 2017 at 1:03 pm

    Beautiful photos and great post to read. Who doesn’t love Pinocchio growing up! Now I know where to go pay my respect to him anytime in Florence. San Miniato Church, indeed very high!

  • Reply
    Denay DeGuzman
    September 15, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    Ahhh…I love visiting historic churches when I travel. This church in Florence looks so stunning. Thank you for sharing your beautiful images. I enjoyed gazing on them and wishing I was in Italy too.

    • Reply
      imodica
      September 16, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      Thank you Denay for your comment. It’s funny because originally I never wanted to go into every church but… that is where the art is in it’s true surroundings! We now never miss a chance to enter one!

  • Reply
    Medha
    September 16, 2017 at 7:37 am

    I’ve been to Florence but surprisingly not to San Miniato church. The pictures are amazing, especially the interiors. Wish I’d known about it before travelling..

    • Reply
      imodica
      September 16, 2017 at 3:39 pm

      Thank you Medha for your comment. I am hoping that this blog will be a resource for travelers. This way they can check out our suggestions for places to visit before they travel. Thanks!!

  • Reply
    Rosalyn O.
    September 18, 2017 at 6:39 am

    Beautiful place, and nice photos! I can’t wait to visit there one day, thanks for sharing :))

  • Reply
    Ron
    July 17, 2018 at 7:27 am

    Thank you ! A wonderful place !

    “SEE, I have climbed the mountain side
    Up to this holy house of God,
    Where once that Angel-Painter trod
    Who saw the heavens opened wide…”

    • Reply
      imodica
      July 18, 2018 at 9:44 am

      Thanks for taking a peek!

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