San Miniato al Monte has been a religious site for a long time. First, there was a shrine honoring St. Miniato, then a chapel in the 700's, then the present church since 1013.
Here are some photos from our visit to San Miniato al Monte. (We have no photos of San Miniato's remains in the crypt since taking photos was prohibited.)
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| San Miniato al Monte: stairs leading up to the church, the Scalea del Monte all Croci |
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| San Miniato al Monte: the façade of the church. The door on the left is known as the Holy Door, the traditional entrance for parishioners. |
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| San Miniato al Monte: golden mosaic of Mary, Jesus and San Miniato (l. to r.) |
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| San Miniato al Monte: inside the Holy Door, an inscription: "Haec est Porta Coeli" or "This is the Gate of Heaven" |
According to one source, The inscription is taken from Genesis and the words were spoken by Jacob upon seeing the ladder of angels descending and ascending to heaven. The inscription signifies this door to the church is the Holy Door, the door through which the Florentines could commune and make peace with heaven.
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| San Miniato al Monte: diagram of the church and the crypt below the alter |
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| San Miniato al Monte: the nave of the church looking toward the altar |
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| San Miniato al Monte: another mosaic above the altar |
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| San Miniato al Monte: behind the altar are "windows", thin slabs of marble that allow some light to penetrate. Because it was sunny at midday, the "windows" were beautifully lit. |
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| San Miniato al Monte: the "windows" viewed from outside |
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| San Miniato al Monte: the altar decorated for Christmas |
The church is filled with beautiful artwork. Below are two samples.
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| San Miniato al Monte: a 14th century altar piece by Jacopo de Casentino |
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| San Miniato al Monte: a fresco in the church |
The church has many interesting architectural details. Here are a few that we especially liked.
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| San Miniato al Monte: geometric pattern on the dome ceiling above the altar |
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| San Miniato al Monte: a glazed terra cotta medallion by Luca della Robbia on the dome ceiling above the altar |
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| San Miniato al Monte: the church floor features this twin bird pattern |
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| San Miniato al Monte: view from the church of the ancient wall of Florence |
Next Up: A visit to the cemetery.
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