Photography Walking Tour Of Florence

Destination: Basilica di San Miniato al Monte & "Porte Sante" Cemetery

 

The Basilica di San Miniato al Monte stands atop one of the highest points in the city. It has been described as one of the finest Romanesque structures in Tuscany and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.

Our first stop will be "Ponte Vecchio" to take photographs and begin our journey. We will then proceed through the charming neighborhood of San Niccolo', gradually climbing as we head towards the spectacular city views of Piazzale Michelangelo.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a famous piazza with a magnificent panoramic view of Florence and is a popular tourist destination in the Oltrarno district of the city. The view from this observation point overlooking the city is justly famous and has been reproduced on countless postcards and snapshots over the years. The panorama encompasses the heart of Florence from Forte Belvedere to Santa Croce, through the bridges crossing the Arno, including the Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, the Bargello and the octagonal bell tower of the Badia Fiorentina, without forgetting opposed to the hills north of the city with the center and Settignano Fiesole. Breathtaking!

The Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

The Basilica di San Miniato al Monte stands atop one of the highest points in the city. It has been described as one of the finest Romanesque structures in Tuscany and one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.

St. Miniato was an Armenian prince serving in the Roman army under Emperor Decius. He was denounced as a Christian after becoming a hermit and was brought before the Emperor who was camped outside the gates of Florence. The Emperor ordered him to be thrown to beasts in the Amphitheatre where a panther was called upon him but refused to devour him. Beheaded in the presence of the Emperor, he is alleged to have picked up his head, crossed the River Arno and walked up the hill of Mons Fiorentinus to his hermitage. A shrine was later erected at this spot and there was a chapel there by the 8th century. Construction of the present church was begun in 1013 by Bishop Alibrando and it was endowed by the Emperor Henry II. The adjoining monastery began as a Benedictine community, then passed to the Cluniacs and then in 1373 to the Olivetans, who still run it. The monks make famous liqueurs, honey and tisanes, which they sell from a shop next to the church.

 The interior of the church exhibits the early feature of a choir raised on a platform above the large crypt. It has changed little since it was first built. The patterned pavement dates from 1207. The centre of the nave is dominated by the beautiful freestanding Cappella del Crocefisso (Chapel of the Crucifix), designed by Michelozzo in 1448. It originally housed the miraculous crucifix now in Santa Trìnita and is decorated with panels long thought to be painted by Agnolo Gaddi. The terracotta decoration of the vault is by Luca della Robbia. The crypt is the oldest part of the church and the high altar supposedly contains the bones of St. Miniato himself. In the vaults are frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi.

"Porte Sante" Cemetery

This monumental cemetery was created in the second half of the 19th Century, according to the taste of the time for revival architecture that employed neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance overtones. Important Florentine citizens used these styles on their tombs and even in recent times you can still see this influence. Some well-known citizens such as Carlo Collodi, creator of Pinocchio, film producer Mario Cecchi Gori and the stylist Enrico Coveri are buried here.

The cemetery, which was designed by Mariano Falcini, extends all along the side of the Basilica of San Miniato. The whole complex is surrounded by defensive walls, originally built hastily by Michelangelo during a siege, and in 1553 expanded into a true fortress (fortezza) by Cosimo I de' Medici.
How to best prepare for the walk: Bring your film or digital cameras, wear good walking shoes and bring water.

Please Note: This walk requires some uphill walking, including a series of wide steps leading up to Piazzale Michelangelo, and is best suited for those accustomed to doing so.


The approximate duration of this walking tour is 2 hours, including time spent at San Miniato. The walk itself is 30 - 40 Minutes and is quite lovely.

The price of this tour is dependent upon group size:
Private: 100 Euro
2 people: 100 Euro (50.00 per person)
3 people: 120 Euro (40.00 per person)
4 people: 140 Euro (35.00 per person)
5 people: 140 Euro (28.00 per person)
6 people: 150 Euro (25.00 per person)
 

There is a 15% non-refundable deposit required to confirm this tour (15% of the tour total). If you prefer, this can be paid using your credit card on our secure server. To do so please visit the following link:

Photography Walking Tour of Florence *15% Deposit*

You will need to create an account at our sister-site BeadedLily to take advantage of this option. Alternatively, you may register in person at:

 

BeadedLily Glass Works

Address: Via Toscanella 33R Florence, Italy

Phone: (39) 055 239 9182

 

Please Note: All tours must be scheduled in advance. At least one weeks notice is preferred, although we will always do our best to accommodate you. For more information please Contact Us.