San Miniato al Monte
San Miniato al Monte is a Romanesque Church,
set on the peak of the hill that overlooks Florence and winds down to
the
Piazzale Michelangelo. St.
Minias was a Christian martyr from the Holy Lands who met his fate at
the Roman amphitheater on the current site of the Piazza della Signoria. It is
believed that his body picked up his decapitated head and walked into
the hills; the church is built on the spot where he collapsed. Over the
years the Church has changed stewardship. It was initially run by the
Benedictines before being taken over by the reform-minded monks of
Cluny. Presently it is run by the Olivetans. The photo to the left
shows the approach to the church; by enlarging the picture you will get
a better glimpse of the
golden mosaic above the
entrance, as well as the gilded copper statue on top. The eagle,
carrying a bale of cloth, is the symbol of the Arte di Calimala, the
wool importer's guild which supported the church in the Middle Ages. San
Miniato al Monte is
equally
beautiful inside. In the nave of the church is a
free-standing chapel created by Michelozzo to house a miraculous
crucifix. (photo to the upper right) A lovely inlaid floor incorporates
zodiac and animal themes, and the wooden ceiling is supported by
Roman and Byzantine columns, restored in the 1800's. The apse features
mosaics of the Virgin and St. Minias, and mosaics of Christian
figures line the walls (photo lower left). In addition to the nave, the
church features an elaborate crypt, a sacristy, and the chapel of the
Cardinal of Portugal. The San Miniato al Monte
offers a beautiful view of Florence from the top of the church steps.
(photo lower right)