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Basilica San Miniato al Monte
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Basilica San Miniato al Monte

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Basilica San Miniato al Monte
4.5
#15 of 714 things to do in Florence
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsLookoutsReligious Sites
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
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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.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: 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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798 within 6 miles
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0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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0.1 miHistoric Walking Areas • Cemeteries
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See what travelers are saying
  • Kathy M
    Arlington Heights, Illinois53 contributions
    Pretty church and view but a little out of the way
    Based on reading the reviews, we took a taxi up to the church to skip the long steep walk. The church was beautiful on the outside with great views. We arrived to hear the Georgian chant but there was none so this ended up being a short stop for us. We walked down to Piazza Michelangelo to see the sunset from here.
    Visited September 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 13, 2023
  • Shannon S
    16 contributions
    No frescoes of life of St. Benedict
    Great views of the city, a unique cemetery and an interesting but dimly lit interior. Unfortunately, we were unable to see the frescoes of the life of St. Benedict in the sacristy that everyone raves about. We asked an attendant when the sacristy would be open, and we were told “never” rather brusquely.
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 2, 2023
  • Kerry R
    93 contributions
    Definitely walk up the hill
    I highly recommend walking up the hill to San Miniato al Monte along a man made waterfall, through a public garden and past the large parking lot and viewing platforms. Pause often to look back over the city and then arrive at this beautiful Romanesque church. We stayed until 6:30 p.m. for the Gregorian chanting by the monks from the attached abbey. I think it happens only on Saturdays and Sundays. Loved hearing the notes echo in this ancient church.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 6, 2023
  • AnaEvergreen
    1,686 contributions
    Go here instead of Piazzale di Michelangelo
    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.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written May 2, 2023
  • Shanelle
    Santa Monica, California2,755 contributions
    Beautiful old church with great view
    Definitely come up to San Miniato for the views of the city. There’s less people compared to Piazzale Michelangelo and the view is so pretty. It’s free to enter the church as well, which is multi-level. It’s a very peaceful environment and there are a few people who come in to pray. There were quite a bit of stairs to climb, so be ready for a brief workout. It’s within walking distance from the city center and there were quite a few people running to workout.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 10, 2023
  • ksarman
    Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar6,794 contributions
    Best spot best city view
    There is a nice walk to do in order to reach this place via the Saint leornado street You ll feel like in village , really pleasant and beautiful Then you ll follow the road and when you see to have a panoramic city view on your left and you discover the church stairs on your right The Belvedere offers nice perspective ! The church is speacial , it pavement are just tombs ! Nice architecture !
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written June 30, 2023
  • WanderingOttersons
    Denver, Colorado1,353 contributions
    Our favorite city views and beautiful inside
    Our favorite elevated views of the city were from the steps here.  Unfortunately, we were here on a Sunday while mass was going on so we did not get a chance to see the inside other than a very quick glimpse.  Inside?   Possibly my favorite of the churches in town.  Outside?  A Similar façade to what you will see in town but also this has wonderful views.  If you’re coming up to Piazzale Michelangelo, then definitely do not miss the opportunity to come by here as well.  It won’t take long and you will be pleasantly surprised. 
    Visited June 2023
    Written July 18, 2023
  • pickering5
    Pickering, Canada132 contributions
    Breathtaking view
    We visited this wonderful spot as part of a private walking tour of Florence. It's situated higher up than Piazzale Michelangelo and offers a breathtaking view of Florence! The Basilica itself is stunning! There were a few people, but not many at all, so it felt very calm & peaceful viewing this gorgeous structure. When we were finished we walked the winding paths down to Piazzale Michelangelo. Well worth the visit for the outstanding view!
    Visited July 2023
    Written August 1, 2023
  • John doe
    Glasgow, United Kingdom14 contributions
    Nice!
    Great views. Beautiful Romanesque basilica with beautiful chapel to rear. Gregorian chants 6:30pm days for half an hours chill time away from the tourist trail chain gang
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 22, 2023
  • Oana F
    Cluj-Napoca, Romania40 contributions
    Incredible view of Florence
    It’s totally worth going up the hill across the Arno river for the view. You get the postcard perfect panorama of Florence. The church itself is also gorgeous, Romanic from the start of the 11th century, with some of the original frescos still intact.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,387 reviews
Excellent
4,169
Very good
1,041
Average
155
Poor
15
Terrible
7
Roger Montala
Valls, Spain385 contributions
The best view of the city
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
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
Lovely ancient church with amazing view
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, NY984 contributions
One of the Finest Romanesque Churches in Tuscant!
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!
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, CO1,207 contributions
Incredible!
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
Peak
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, NY691 contributions
Love This Place
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, Ireland839 contributions
One of my favourite places in Florence
Sep 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 States74 contributions
Simple and beautiful church in a great setting but don’t expect the promised Gregorian chanting
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.
AnaEvergreen
Colorado1,686 contributions
Go here instead of Piazzale di Michelangelo
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.
Kerry R
93 contributions
Definitely walk up the hill
Jan 2023 • Couples
I highly recommend walking up the hill to San Miniato al Monte along a man made waterfall, through a public garden and past the large parking lot and viewing platforms. Pause often to look back over the city and then arrive at this beautiful Romanesque church. We stayed until 6:30 p.m. for the Gregorian chanting by the monks from the attached abbey. I think it happens only on Saturdays and Sundays. Loved hearing the notes echo in this ancient church.
Written February 6, 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.
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