Florence's Great Monuments Series: San Miniato Al Monte

From Piazzale Michelangelo, which sits proudly on a hill behind the south bank of the River Arno, Florence appears at your feet, stretching far into the distance in all its beauty. The city’s skyline is dominated by a panoply of works conceived by the architectural giants of Italy: the immensity of Brunelleschi’s dome and Giotto’s bell tower lording high over the city, the tall tower of the Palazzo Vecchio and the low elongated mass of the magnificent basilica of Santa Croce. But turn away from this impressive cityscape and head up the stone steps to find one of the finest jewels of Romanesque architecture in Italy: San Miniato al Monte (built around 1013-1150). San Miniato is nestled among the lush verdant hills of Tuscany and, walking through the turquoise-painted doors and into the spectacular church itself, it’s difficult not to feel inspired by its heavenly interior. Join art historian, Elaine Ruffolo for a virtual visit to the most beautiful church in Tuscany; San Miniato al Monte.