Hotels to remember: San Miniato al Monte
Villa La Vedetta
Firenze (Firenze) - 5 Star Hotels
Villa La Vedetta: a neo-renaissance villa, a luxurious 5 star hotel, a stunning urban resort in Florence.
Relais Santa Croce
Firenze (Firenze) - 5 Star Hotels
The Relais Santa Croce is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Florence, between Santa Croce Basilica and the Duomo.
J and J Historic House Hotel
Firenze (Firenze) - 4 Star Hotels
A marvelous mix of modern day elegance with real renaissance charm, Florence's J and J Hotel is the most beautiful boutique property in the district of Santa Croce.
San Miniato al Monte: introduction
Built between the eleventh and thirteenth century, the Church of San Miniato al Monte represents one of the best examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture. The façade is realised in green and white marble with a twelfth century mosaic which depicts Christ between the Madonna and St Miniato. Within the altar of the Church of San Miniato al Monte lie the bones of St Miniato.
The frescoes decorating the sacristy depict the sixteen stories of the legend of St Benedetto, and are the work of Spinello Aretino. The Chapel of the Crucifix was decorated by Luca della Robbia following the project of Michelozzo. The Chapel of San Giacomo is decorated with five tondi by Luca della Robbia.
To the right of the Church of San Miniato al Monte one finds the Palazzo del Vescovo, once summer residence of the bishops of Florence and then a Convent, Hospital and House of the Jesuits. Not to be missed: the splendid view over the city of Florence which can be enjoyed from the steps of the Palazzo del Vescovo.
