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Basilica of San Miniato al Monte
[Jane Whittle]
Built on an even older church, the basilica and attached Benedictine monastery were founded by Bishop Hildebrand on the site where, according to tradition, the martyr St. Miniato was buried. The body of the saint still lies in the crypt. Its construction was started in 1018 and concluded in around 1207. The beautiful facade is decorated with a mosaic of the Christ in benediction between the Virgin and St Miniato (early 13th century). The church is a masterpiece of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, uniting the classical basilical plan with typically Romanesque elements. It contains splendid mosaics and marble inlays, especially in the central part of the floor, with the beautiful Zodiac, in the area of the apse with its lovely inlaid marble altar, the railings and the pulpit, dominated by the magnificent mosaic (1297) of Christ in benediction between the Virgin and St Miniato. The sacristy contains the wonderful Stories of St. Benedict by Spinello Aretino (1387 circa).
Note the Chapel of the Crucifix (1447) by Michelozzo (or, perhaps Alberti), the eagles symbolising the Guild of the Calimala, the Renaissance Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal (attributed to Antonio Manetti in collaboration with Antonio Rossellino, Luca della Robbia, Alesso Baldovinetti and the Pollaiolo brothers.
Hours: Winter 4-5pm Monday-Saturday - Sundays & holidays: 4-5pm -Summer: 7.30am-7pm (Monday-Saturday) - Sundays & holidays: 7.30am-6.30pm
Entrance free
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