Basilica San Miniato al Monte
Basilica San Miniato al Monte
4.5
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
About
Situated on a hill (monte) outside Florence with unsurpassed views of the city, this structure is one of the finest examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Piazzale Michelangelo
Just outside the ancient walls of Florence, Viale Michelangiolo starts. It is a winding road rimmed by wonderful poplars and holm oaks. The long ascent opens up to the most beautiful and famous panoramic viewpoint of Florence: Piazzale Michelangelo, where an elevated terrace offers visitors an incomparable and breathtaking view of the entire city from above. During good weather, Piazzale Michelangelo provides visitors with a serene space surrounded by the amazing landscape, better if accompanied by a fresh gelato from a local kiosk. During night, visitors will be dazzled by the warm lights of the capital of the Renaissance. Spend a second with the silent Romanesque beauty of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte: the one that wishes good morning and good night to Florence!
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See what travellers are saying
- mashie44Belgium154 contributionsChanting is at 6.30, ignore the guides that say 4.30. Worth it! And great views.The widely-published info on hours of monks charting is incorrect. They chant at 6.30 each day. We arrived at 4.30 (as all online guides we found said this was the time for chanting in winter). At 4.45 asked the man at the door who said it is always 6.30. So we came back a couple of days later and did enjoy it. The church is cold if you sit for long. The floor is lovely (zodiac mosaic). Interesting restoration work currently going on. Well worth the short walk up from Piazzale Michelangelo, and has even better views of the cityVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten February 22, 2024
- Elizabeth C5 contributionsBeautiful views, 1000 year old churchPerched on the highest point above Florence, the views were terrific. It is a climb, so wear comfortable shoes. We hoped to hear the chants at 6, but there were no chants that day. Church was built in 11th century and it’s really something to think it’s been in service for nearly 1000 yrs. Went here first, then went back down via Piazza Michaelangelo.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten May 2, 2024
- Kennette BLa Grange, Illinois36 contributionsThe sound of FlorenceThis is a beautiful place that harkens to an older Florence where religion was essential and life was slow and elemental. The views from the courtyard are wonderful, and as we went late in the day for the chants, we were treated to a glorious sunset over the rooftops. The interior of the church was austere, and we had no trouble following our ears to the monks. There were not many of them, but the acoustics are such that each voice was multiplied. The walk down was more pleasant than the walk up, but the effort was more than rewarded by a wonderful memory.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten May 29, 2024
- Jamie10 contributionsBeautiful church with singing monksA lovely church on the top of the hill. We were there in time for Vespers and got to hear the monks sing a Gregorian chant. Amazing experience! If you’re walking up from Florence be prepared for a pretty steep ascent!Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten June 18, 2024
- PatchWellingMarlow, United Kingdom1,958 contributionsWalking up to the viewpointIt was quite a walk uphill to this place, which offered a lovely view of Florence. It took an hour the long way round following the road! But there was a more scenic walkway which we didn’t see during the climb. It was exhausting and hot, so please be prepared. At time some areas were stepper but it was a great exercise. We did the trip on Sunday which was not too busy as residents were in the basilica (church). I was particularly sweaty after the climb and the toilet at the viewpoint required coin payment. The graveyard area was pleasant to explore and culturally really pleasant and peaceful. There was cab and golf buggy ride to the top if walking is not your thing. Try it for yourself.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Roger Montala
Valls, Spain383 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
It is quite popular to go to piazzale Michelangelo, but if you walk some more, you can get to this church at the top of the hill.
The views are even better, and you can visit the church for free! (something unusual in Florence).
We even got the chance to hear some people singing inside
The views are even better, and you can visit the church for free! (something unusual in Florence).
We even got the chance to hear some people singing inside
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iris64
Budapest193 contributions
Jan 2020
If you decide to go up to Piazzale Michelangelo do not miss this church. It is a short walk from piazzale, if you are not keen on climbing steps you can walk up to the church on a side road. San Miniato has a special atmoshpere, beautiful frescos on the wall and an amazing dome decorated with gold mosaic Entrance is free. There is a very interesting and old cemetery just beneath the church.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert B
Saratoga Springs, NY1,046 contributions
Oct 2019
Constant Companion and I had made our way up to Pizzale Michelangelo on our final day in Florence. Once there we also visited the Basilica San Miniato al Monte. Folklore has it that Miniato, a Christian Armenian prince, was ordered to be thrown to the beasts by the Emperor Decius. When a panther refused to consume him the Emperor ordered him beheaded. It was then that Miniato supposedly picked up his own head and walked up to his hermitage on the hill. Interesting stuff!
The Basilica was begun around 1013. We found it noteworthy for the beautiful glazed terracotta decorations by della Robbia in the vault as well as the crucifix by him on the High Altar! The bones of St. Miniato may or may not be in this High Altar too. Outside is a massive and lovely cemetery containing such notable people as Carlo Collodi, the creator of Pinocchio, and Physicist Bruno Benedetto Rossi among others. The stunning green and white marble exterior will no doubt attract you to visit as well if you decide to meander up to the Pizzale Michelangelo. It is worth it!
The Basilica was begun around 1013. We found it noteworthy for the beautiful glazed terracotta decorations by della Robbia in the vault as well as the crucifix by him on the High Altar! The bones of St. Miniato may or may not be in this High Altar too. Outside is a massive and lovely cemetery containing such notable people as Carlo Collodi, the creator of Pinocchio, and Physicist Bruno Benedetto Rossi among others. The stunning green and white marble exterior will no doubt attract you to visit as well if you decide to meander up to the Pizzale Michelangelo. It is worth it!
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill B
Pueblo, CO1,416 contributions
Jan 2020
My partner and I visited the is a Basilica which stands at one of the highest points in Florence. From all we read before the visit it is described as one of the finest Romanesque structures in Tuscany and I would have to agree. It has to also be one of the most scenic churches in Italy as the views are incredible. The mosaic depicting St. Miniato to the right of Christ holding a crown is stunning.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeline
Oxford, UK29 contributions
Apr 2022
We sat in the garden below the church in a little field of daisies. We spent hours here eating strawberries, chatting, napping and listening to music. This is FREE (that is for you college students) and was probably one of the best things I did on my whole vacation.
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bourlingueur
Albany, NY638 contributions
Nov 2019
San Miniato is one of my favorite places in Florence. It is beautiful and it is a real, spiritual place. They do not charge an admission fee! It was built 1000 years ago and it did not receive a redo during the Renaissance. It is similar to the beautiful Duomo in Fiesole. The Olivetan Benedictine Monks do some of the daily office publicly here. We attended vespers and Mass on a Sunday evening. The priest sang beautifully. Most of the Mass was in Latin, but the readings were in Italian.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marla7
Naas, Ireland832 contributions
Sept 2021
San Miniato al Monte is one of my favourite places in Florence. I was obsessed with it even before seeing it in person, and I sometimes even dream of it! It's a beautiful building with a unique atmosphere and from the outside you get amazing views of Florence. It's only a few minutes walk from Piazzale Michelangelo so make sure you go up if you've already made that climb. Entrance is also free, and it is rarely crowded.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
888anjup
Palo Alto, United States173 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Beautiful and serene church and amazing view of Florence from the top. It’s a bit of climb but totally worth it. We went on Sunday morning (Nov 27) as our friends from Florence highly recommended the Gregorian chanting at San Miniato and the website said it was on Sundays at 10 am. It turned out there was no chanting that morning but we ended up attending the morning service which was beautiful. After that, we asked the priest who conducted the lovely service about the chanting and he said it was every evening at 5.30 pm. So we want back yesterday (Nov 29) at 5.30 pm and again there was no chanting. I am guessing it’s off season/ holiday period for them too but I wish they would not give incorrect info on their website and in person. Many others had also made the uphill climb in the cold weather for the evening chanting and were disappointed.
Written November 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vadim
Murmansk, Russia34,986 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
The name of one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Italy consists of the name of the patron saint of the city and the location - "al Monte" - this is on the mountain. The story of San Miniato (Saint Minias) is somewhat traditional. either an Armenian prince or a Greek merchant, greedy and inhuman, suddenly became spiritually transformed and became a hermit. During the time of Emperor Decius, he was put on the list for an exemplary execution, but wild animals refused to eat him (he was exhausted after many years of fasting), but the fire did not take Minias. Then his head is traditionally cut off, he takes the severed head, swims across the Arno (!), without losing his head, and climbs into his native cave on the mountain, where the church now stands. The story is the same as the saga of Saint-Denis, which from Montmartre reached the current suburb of Paris Saint-Denis with the tomb of the French kings. Until the time when the center of Florence began to be transformed by such titans of the Renaissance as Giotto, Brunelleschi and other Michelangelos, the most beautiful church in Florence was located on the mountain, and it was San Miniato al Monte! True, climbing the stairs that Dante once climbed, you will see that the only thing that spoils the church is that same disproportionate staircase, remade by Giuseppe Poggi much later than the author of the Divine Comedy. The beauty of the façade is ensured by its precise proportionality: the lower tier is two squares, the upper tier is one in the middle. This is how children build pyramids from cubes. But the Romanesque style is simplicity. The aesthetic impact is enhanced by the two-color facade - only two colors of marble were used in the decoration. San Miniato enjoyed such authority that none of the architects dared to make any changes to it. It's almost authentic. Only the lower tier was redone in the 16th century in the style of Brunelleschi - in the form of a false arcade with five arches. If you look up, you see on the pediment not a traditional crucifix, but an eagle with a roll of fabric. This is a subtle reminder that San Miniato has been financed since 1288 by the Arte di Calimala, the guild of cloth merchants. It is not surprising that capitalism originated here.. The topology of the temple is unusual - it does not have a transept, and therefore a traditional Latin cross at the base. Unfortunately, I was not able to examine the inside of the church, except for the altar mosaics; there was a funeral service going on there. The main thing that was not possible to see was the chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal with the tombstone of the cardinal by Bernardo Rossellino and the majolica of Luca della Robbia. But you will be luckier!
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnaEvergreen
Colorado1,806 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I have a thing for visiting old cemeteries, and the cemetery adjacent to the Basilica di San Miniato is the oldest in Florence. The Basilica is also lovely, and the views from there of Florence are WAY better than the views from Piazzale di Michelangelo, mostly because it is so much more peaceful and less crowded. (Piazzale di Michelangelo is basically a car park, where all the tour buses stop and it is very commercialized with vendors all around). If you want the lovely view of Florence (and want to see a lovely cathedral), head up to Basilica di Miniato al Monte. This was my favourite venue in Florence.
Written May 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
buenas tardes, alguien me podría indicar el autobús a coger desde la Basílica hacia la zona centro? frecuencia? precio? Gracias
Written August 20, 2019
How do you find a taxi afterthe evening mass on Sunday evening from San Miniato?
Written June 23, 2019
Must talk to the locals at the cafe. They will help you call a good taxi company (local(. Lovely people at that cafe
Written June 25, 2019
Hello, we have a free day in Florence and are planning to visit the Accademia gallery first thing in the morning and we would also like to visit the Boboli and Birdini gardens and then head to the Basilica of San Miniato. Is this a reasonable itinerary? Is all of this walkable and how long is the walk to San Mianato from let's say the Duomo? It would be me, my sister and my mom who is 60 and in very decent shape. Thank you in advance!
Written April 10, 2019
I agree that this is a challenging itinerary, with the Accademia being the other side of town from the gardens and San Miniato. If you wish to combine the gardens/San Miniato with a gallery, how about Palazzo Pitti? Much more varied collection there- the Accademia is a bit of a one-hit wonder (the David, of course) although if you like gold ground alterpieces it has an excellent collection, as well as the museum of musical instruments and other Michaelangelo statuary (the Slaves). That said, the Pitti has a huge and diverse painting collection, and the Grand Ducal Treasury of porcelain, glass, micromosaics, and more. The views from San Miniato or wonderful, as is the interior, I will emphasise finally.
Written April 22, 2019
Hi there - I was wondering what the process is for renewing vows at this church - do you have to schedule your vow renewal with the church?
Written August 14, 2018
Yes you need to contact the church/monks that caretake. It's a public open church and has renovation ongoing.
Written August 17, 2018
DanAlexandru03
Genoa, Italy
The entrance is free or we must buy a ticket? Thank you?
Written July 18, 2018
Is anyone able to tell me the opening hours of the gift shop please? Thank you.
Written February 4, 2018
Please can anyone help with advising the time of the Gregorian Chants - we will be visiting this month (week days)? Many thanks in advance.
Written February 3, 2018
We missed the chant because we arrived at the wrong time. I found the website confusing. When there we stopped in the gift shop and the woman working there spoke good English (I don't read or speak Italian.)
Even though we missed the chant, it was worth the trip because of the gorgeous view of both the church and the city. We took an Uber up and walked back down into the city. A highlight.
Written February 4, 2018
Where can I check as to the time of chants in October 2018. The website is in Italian and sad to say I don’t speak it.
Written January 31, 2018
Search google for google translate then copy and paste Works well most of the time
Written February 4, 2018
susansfgr
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Wanting to do a renewing of vows for a 25 year anniversary ... is this possible at the Basilica San Miniato al Monte the end of June/ beginning of July 2017? Who to call?
Written June 2, 2017
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