Photos of the Medieval Fresco Art of San Miniato Florence

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Photos of the Medieval Fresco Art of San Miniato Florence. San Miniato al Monte fabulous Romanesque style Fresco Paintings. Photos by photographer Paul E Williams.  (TIP – use the icons below the slideshow for thumbnail photos and info)

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Photos of the Medieval Fresco Art of San Miniato Florence

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Photos of the church of San Miniato al Monte, Florence.

San Miniato al Monte is dedicated to San Miniato the only Florentine martyr. Built in the 11th century the beautiful Romanesque church stands on a hill above Florence with a view over the Arno River.

Roamesque Basilica

San Miniato church is built in the shape of a Romanesque basilica and is clad in geometric designs made up of white and green marble. In the centre of the facade is a Byzantine Roman style mosaic of Christ Pantocrator and this design is repeated inside on apse.

Christ Pantocrator

Both Christ Pantocrator mosaics are influenced by Byzantine designs. Christ’s right had is making the Greek Orthodox Chi Rho blessing sign. His Thumb is touching his third finger and two forefingers are outstretched. This makes the shape of of the Greek letters Chi Rho one of the earliest forms of Christogram, and used by Emperor Constantine as a military standard. 

The cushions that Christ sits on in both mosaics are Byzantine in style as are the decorations and the gold background.

San Miniato Romanesque Layout

The interior of San Miniato al Monte is a typical Romanesque basilica layout with a naive and two aisles. The Choir and alter are raised below a rounded apse. Below the main altar is a chapel.

Olivetan Monastery

San Miniato al Monte is the church of an adjoining Olivetan Monastery which is still active. Formerly recognised in 1344 the Olivetan order is part of the Benedictine confederation and founded by Bernado Tolomei is dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Olivet.

Renaissance Frescoes

The Olivet monks are depicted in the Renaissance frescoes of the Sacristy depicting the life of Saint Benedict dating from 1387 and commissioned by Benedetto degli Alberti.