How very picturesque is this shot?

Just to the right of the church of San Miniato al Monte is this busy little shop, selling products produced (supposedly) by the monks of the Benedictine order for whom this church is home.

You may buy rosaries and other related religious jewelry items such as charms, some books, some inlaid marble items echoing the patterns of the church exterior.

You may also buy a range of skin care products and soaps–potions and lotions–as well as hand-painted ceramics bearing the name of the church, which are good for souvenirs as it will help you recall where you bought an item in years to come.

You may buy honeys and jams, vinegars and liqueurs.

Also some biscotti are available.

It’s a lovely way to end your visit to this remarkable place!

It’s the crypt and it’s is the only part of the church not currently under scaffolding. When I arrived at the basilica recently, the crypt was cordoned off, but the kind man who was overseeing the spaces that day let me enter. Thank you, most kind signore!

The only part not scaffolded

Below, we approaching the high altar of the crypt which is composed of an antique tomb which is said to hold the sacred bones of Saint Minias.

A study of the tops of the antique columns in all of the crypts of important (and the lesser ones too) churches in Italy would be a fun scavenger hunt to make. They are one of my favorite parts of any visit.

Any glance at the skyline of Florence will highlight this tall gothic campanile or bell tower. In this shot of the front entrance to the abbey, you see the arising tower.

Below are my recent shots of the tower from inside the open air courtyard.

Here’s an AI summary of the Badia:

And the next 2 pix are of the English description of the Badia from signs within the complex. This place, little in size but vast in historical significance, is seldom visited by tourists even though it’s in the heart of the city historic center.

Stepping inside this edifice on any summer day will offer respite from the heat and throngs of tourists, but also inspire ruminations on the history of the city and the significance of the church.

More examples about the influence of these artistic movements in Florentine architecture.

A quick trip back home. A gorgeous season in Colorado.

On a hill on the SE end of Florence is this famous church.

I haven’t been up here in quite some time, although I go by it often on my bus route #13, which is a relaxing way to view the city.

Why was I not surprised to discover, on this day, that the church is under scaffolding? If you read my posts, you will know this is never a surprise.

What I could see both outside and inside this church on this day was limited, but it was still a very worthwhile adventure and it fed me in the way these things always do.

The views of Florence from up here are breathtaking.

I’m not going to give you a lesson on the church today. If you are interested, please Google it or look it up on Perplexity, the AI app that will tell you exactly what you want to know.

The picture above shows you the transept end of the basilica.

Below the pictures show you the side aisle visible from the nave. The inset stone patterns will influence subsequent building in Florence. This building is essential to an understanding of the city.

Only a portion of the church’s frescoes are visible currently, but I found it to be a good amount and plenty for one day’s viewing. I’ve been looking at this set of frescoes since 1979 and they affect me as much now as they did on that initial visit.

I’ll be back soon with more on this august complex.