The Basilica di San Miniato al Monte is one of the finest Romanesque churches in Tuscany and certainly one of the most beautiful. It is my favourite church in Florence, a wonderful historic place and New Year was a perfect day to take advantage of the view, and to look out over the magical city of Firenze.
The geometrically patterned marble façade was probably begun in about 1090, although most of the front of the church dates from the 12th century. Beside the church is the fortified ducal palace built in 1295, and in the grounds is a beautiful cemetery, the last resting place of many famous Italian scientists, artists, writers, and poets. The whole complex is surrounded by defensive walls, originally built hastily by Michelangelo during the siege of Florence in 1530.
Inside, the mid day service at San Miniato included a beautiful, haunting organ recital. The mosaic of Christ between the Virgin and St Minias was shining as beautifully as when it was made, in 1260. The beautiful patterned floor dates from about 1260, and the walls are also made of patterned marble. From the centre of the nave an old bishop conducted the service in the large freestanding structure of the Cappella del Crocefisso. It was designed by Michelozzo in 1448, with painted panels by Agnolo Gaddi. The terracotta decoration of the vault is by Luca della Robbia.
But I think my favourite place in the basilica is the crypt, the most mysterious and oldest part of the church. In the vaults are wonderful frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi. The candles of the benedictions guttered and flickered, and a white-robed Olivetan monk picked up the change that had been left by visitors showing their appreciation of the church, giving thanks for the nativity, and honouring the work of the monks. Information on the artworks and architecture taken from the guide book of the Baslica of San Miniato al Monte. If you click on any of the images you can get a much more detailed view.
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