San Miniato al Monte

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Basilica of San Miniato al Monte (St. Minias on the Mountain)
Viale dei Colli
Florence, October 2013

“The geometrically patterned marble façade was probably begun in about 1090, although the upper parts date from the 12th century or later, financed by the Arte di Calimala (cloth merchants’ guild), who were responsible for the church’s upkeep from 1288 (the eagle which crowns the façade was their symbol). The mosaic of Christ between the Virgin and St Minias was made in 1260. The campanile collapsed in 1499 and was replaced in 1523, although it was never finished. During the siege of Florence in 1530 it was used as an artillery post by the defenders and Michelangelo had it wrapped in mattresses to protect it from enemy fire.” (San Miniato al Monte, Florence, Sacred Destinations)

See also: Inside San Miniato