Basilica di San Miniato image

Basilica di San Miniato

Tourist attraction Catholic church Church Abbey

One of the Top rated Catholic churches in Florence


Address

Via delle Porte Sante, 34, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy

Website

www.sanminiatoalmonte.it

Contact

+39 055 234 2731

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (5.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 9:30 am to 1 pm, 3:30 to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 1 pm, 3:30 to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 9:30 am to 1 pm, 3:30 to 7 pm
  • Monday: 9:30 am to 1 pm, 3:30 to 7 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am to 1 pm, 3:30 to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am to 1 pm, 3:30 to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am to 1 pm, 3:30 to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (27) Florence (19) views (14) view (13) city (10) worth (7) cemetery (7) Michelangelo (7) beautiful (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Chhanda B. 9 months ago on Google • 246 reviews
    Wonderful and such a beautiful church located at an amazing location. The church itself is quite distinct looking and is an Romanesque church. But the best thing is the location, you get an amazing view of Florence and the Duomo from here. It was quite empty when I visited around 10 am.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ellen H. 7 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Beautiful church with an even better view. At around 18:30 the monks will sing, an experience you should have while you look at the beautiful view. Next to the church you have a small shop you can buy souvenirs, cookies or ice cream made by the monks. Definitely worth a visit, but don’t forget a scarf to cover your shoulders, they don’t provide or sell it there.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anders Jarl N. 6 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    A beautiful basilica, with a peaceful atmosphere compared to the rush of central Florence. The building itself is well worth seeing, and the location also provides a good view of Florence. I encountered scammers at the stairs to the basilica, so beware of anyone asking you to sign a petition.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tetsuya d. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place where you can observe entire old town of Florence. We put this place in our last day of staying here, it kind of concluded this amzing trip to this region. The place has an interesting cemetary where you can feel the history of the town, it's highly reccommended!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CHAEYENJIN A. 1 year ago on Google
    You should really come here! It’s worth climbing up the hill and stairs for the view of Florence. When we arrived, there was a service or something (I am not sure since I am not Catholic), so we had to wait for a bit before going in. There is a cemetery as well. Didn’t take any pictures inside because it was a bit dark. If you want to go to the toilet, there is one at the Abbazia but you’ll have to pay 1€ to enter.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca M. 1 year ago on Google
    Very special energy in this church, there were two musicians and a singer there practicing when we went which added to the magic. Lovely and interesting architecture and incredible views over the city from outside. Walk down through piazza Michaelangelo and the rose garden.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cathleen C. 5 months ago on Google • 257 reviews
    Wonderful simple church and cemetery above the Piazzale Michelangelo with spectacular (the best) views of Florence. Be prepared for a steep climb.

  • 5/5 Anna S. 2 years ago on Google
    The best of what Florence has to offer. No you can’t get a gelato here. What you can get in a sense of what the Tuscans value. That a minute to light a candle or to buy something handmade at the small shop selling herbal remedies. The cemetery is a must
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John P. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a nice walk to the church with great views of Florence. The church and cemetery are beautiful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Angela M. 2 years ago on Google
    The church (free entry) is a pearl that really deserves to be seen despite the long stairs. The view of Florence and the surrounding hills is simply amazing from there. On your way up or down don't miss a relaxing walk through the "Giardino delle rose".
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen 3 months ago on Google • 142 reviews New
    Absolutely fantastic architecture and history. Views over Florence are superb. Visit the cemetery where some very famous Italians are laid to rest. Purchase some natural medicines made by the monks. Loved it.

  • 5/5 Claire 5 months ago on Google • 95 reviews
    Beautiful estate and basilica, offering great city views even on a cloudy morning. It was a rigorous but manageable hike and a nice escape from the busy city center.

  • 5/5 Geoffrey H. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church inside and out. Do not believe the times for vespers written on their official website. For summer 2022, vespers start at 18:30, which is when the evening mass is finished. See photo.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 1 year ago on Google
    If you make the effort to go up to the lookout, it pays to come here as well. It is about a 5-minute walk to the church. in the church you can cool off and also enjoy the views from an even higher place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt S. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth the walk passed Piazzale Michaelangelo. Very well maintained abbey. There is a cemetery in the back that is beautifully done as well. Some of the tombs and crypts are quite large and works of art themselves. Great views of the Florence skyline.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Giovanni B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church with free entrance and a stunning view of the city of Florence. Loved also the path leading to the church.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aero N. 9 months ago on Google • 64 reviews
    This basilica lies at the top of the local hills surrounding Florence. You can see the city center and the Duomo from the courtyard in front of the church. The interior architecture is beautiful and it is a working church. We traveled to the church on a mini Fiat as part of a driving tour. The view is awe inspiring.

  • 5/5 Kathryn C. 1 month ago on Google • 30 reviews New
    Piazza Michelangelo is the hotspot for a view/sunset, but I recommend going a little further to San Miniato if you want much less crowded and spectacular views. Also has a beautiful cemetery if you’re there before the church closes. Take a bottle of wine or a couple beers and watch the sunset.

  • 5/5 ana c. 1 month ago on Google • 27 reviews New
    Glorious views from up here, it's a bit of a climb, but it's worth it on a clear day. It's just above piazzale Michelangelo, and it's so much nicer. There are benches outside, and an old graveyard, the facade of the church is lovely, but on my visit I couldn't enter as there was a funeral on. When you are going back down if you follow the road to the right there is an attended WC .

  • 5/5 Julia F. 10 months ago on Google
    Big church , you have to allow your eyes to get used to dim light before you can see the wall paintings. Fantastic panoramic view over Florence outside.

  • 5/5 Ciro F. 8 months ago on Google
    Fascinating 11th century church, you can breathe the history of Florence a few km from the center but away from city traffic.Stop not to be missed. Breathtaking panorama.

  • 5/5 John R. 8 months ago on Google
    What a wonderful stop on our tour, a hollistic farmacia manned by a monk was on prem. The cathedral is fantastic and the views of Florence are wonderful.

  • 5/5 Ben M. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful church - one of the best in Florence. Went to vespers (sung by the monks of the Abbey) at 6.30 - which was very peaceful and a great way to stop and appreciate the place. Sat on the steps afterwards watching the sunset - much less busy than the Michelangelo steps a little further down.

  • 5/5 Jason B. 4 months ago on Google
    Step right up, adventurers! Picture this: you, me, and Florence's top spot, the Basilica di San Miniato. Why start at the top? Well, besides the mind-blowing views (seriously, they're like a Renaissance painting come to life), this place is the boss of all things Romanesque in Tuscany. It's like the Michelangelo of churches—both inside and out. Now, as you stroll in, get ready for a visual feast. Think patterns galore, a red and yellow ceiling that's basically a work of art itself, and enough Romanesque symbols to make your head spin. And hey, squint a bit and you might just catch a glimpse of Christianity's early emojis—those symbolic motifs are like a blast from the past. But wait, there's more! Venture deeper and discover these cozy little chapels with their soft candlelight and quaint windows, giving you a peek into the church's ancient vibes. It's like stepping back in time, soaking in that early church atmosphere. Once you're done being awestruck, snap one last photo (because why wouldn't you?) and etch this memory in your brain: "I conquered Florence's highest peak at Basilica di San Miniato!" Oh, and before I forget, I spotted a crew of Cal Baptist University's finest architectural students here. They were living it up, sketching the breathtaking views as part of their class. Now, that's a classroom with a view!

  • 5/5 Shanelle S. 11 months ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 BigEasy275 3 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Set on top of a hill over looking the city you get great views and opportunity for pictures of Florence. A little bit off the typical tourist path maybe so was not very crowded at all but definitely worth the short detour to go see. Maybe a 10 minute walk up the hill from Piazzale Michelangelo.

  • 5/5 Efe G. 1 year ago on Google
    Stunning Abbey with great views of the city. To my delight, a church service was taking place with a choir, conductor and mini orchestra! The experience was only marred by the cold, drizzly weather.

  • 5/5 Todor M. 1 year ago on Google
    Must see. Amazing panoramic view of Florence. The grave of Mussolini's son is also there.

  • 5/5 Aluisio B. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing church on top of the hill. Totally worth a visit. The tombs on the floor and the frescos on the wall are impressive.


Call +39 055 234 2731 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park

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