Our indispensable climb to San Miniato during my usual trip to Florence.. Tuscany region, Italy

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Indispensable climb to San Miniato
I go to Florence quite often, as my hometown. Each time, there is the burning sun of July or the month of November drizzle, is an absolute "must climb to the church of San Miniato al Monte," which gives the eyes a sweetness to the core, not the ch'intender who can not test ".
The basilica, which was built in the eleventh century, lies a few steps from Piazzale Michelangelo, on Fiorentinus Mons, where the Christian martyr Miniato would come after he was beheaded, putting her head in her hands.
The slow climb up the grand staircase leading to the church has always something solemn, on the one hand the marble face that emerges in all its Romanesque splendor, the sinuous curves of the other cities that are formed in a combination of make your head spin. Just below the church is the cemetery where lie the Holy Doors, among others, the remains of personalities such as John Spadolini. The sculptures that make up the gravestones stand in front of the panorama of the city, conveying a sense of silence and meditation.
At the end of the climb, the facade of the church with its two-color geometric of white marble and green serpentine is very impressive, purity and delicacy of the marble is of infinite beauty.
The interior of the basilica's great and rather original stand of inlaid floors '2 oo, in particular, "the Zodiac", the ceiling of painted wood, the apse mosaic of Christ with the blessing, the crypt where the relics of San Miniato, the cycle of frescoes by Spinello Aretino and everywhere green and white marble. Light floods in through the narrow windows often create striking effects.
And 'interesting to note that the church is full of decorative elements that recall ancient symbols, like the flower of life, triquele, the four-wheel spokes and many others, present on both the front and inside.
In front of the church is a small shop where you can buy the products of the monks Olivetan, such as honey, teas, and spirits as well as remedies for physical ailments, books and more.
After visiting, you can sit on the wall and being enveloped by the charm of that viewpoint, especially just after sunset when the sky pink tends increasingly to blue and the city lights come on slowly.