Work on the church of San Miniato al Monte, considered among the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany, began in the 11th century where St. Minias is said to have died. Both the facade and the interior are decorated with intricate geometric patterns of green and white marble, and the apse is covered by an opulent 1297 mosaic. (The facade’s marble patterns are very similar to those of the churches of Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella in the city’s historic center.) The church’s crypt almost certainly does not contain the bones of San Miniato, as many claim, but it is decorated with frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi.
Since San Miniato al Monte is slightly outside the center of Florence, it’s the perfect destination for a sightseeing tour on wheels, be it by Vespa, electric bike, or vintage Fiat 500. It’s also a pleasant uphill walk from the historic center, so consider joining a walking tour that takes you across the Arno and up to the church.