Cross the Arno and walk up to San Minuato! The walk is lovely and the church is beautiful. Mosaic decoration, della Robbia works and fabulous views of Florence. Be sure to walk through the cemetery associated with the church. Some of the crypts are huge; much of the statuary is poignant. Many family members visit the graveyard, placing flowers and tidying up. We watched a woman in a mink coat (this was January) with a broom and pail, washing a loved one's grave.

This is one of the most exquisite churches I visited. Just the sheer age of the site is inspiring - and what a lovely setting! It is not magnificent or ornate, like Santa Croce or others, but so peaceful and different (granted I was there off season). I recommend walking from the city, up the hill, to the Church. The burial ground and garden are worth a stop as well.

Beautiful, beautiful church. I walked all the way up the hill from central Florence to see it and it was worth the long slog. The inside of the Duomo in Florence disappointed me--so plain compared to the outside. But not San Miniato! The inside is adorned with multicolored marble, including mosaic floors, painting, sculpture, and decorated beamed ceilings. Every square inch is decorated, which sounds excessive, but it isn't, it's just spectacular. If you like romanesque churches, don't miss this one. But don't walk up, take the bus.