No matter if you enjoy being on a guided vacation or not, there is no question that most local guides are going to know about certain spots in the city that you are currently visiting that you would have never discovered on your own. Trafalgar Tours has a reputation for having the best Travel Directors in the world, because each of them have thoughtfully selected the most extraordinary “Hidden Treasures” to share with their group of travelers. One of the best examples of this is San Miniato al Monte. Before going into downtown Florence, Marco our Italian Travel Director, took us to this basilica. It is one of his favorite places, since it attracts very few tourists, yet it deserves to be a major tourist attraction.
It was built in 1013 atop one of the highest points in the city, thus it is impossible to find better unobstructed views of Florence anywhere else.
As with all churches in Italy, the interior was as equally impressive as the exterior. The way the light streamed in from the windows illuminating the colorfully painted marble was marvelous.
We did not have time to linger, as we had a special date with a famous Italian named David, but we left at the ideal time, as day was beginning to turn into night and the lighting was perfect for some final photos.
Adjoining San Miniato al Monte is both a monastery and a graveyard, both of which I would have further liked to explore. As the rest of my group headed to the coach, I could not ignore a feeling in my stomach that told me to make a quick visit to the graveyard. I had only but a minute, however I immediately saw why I felt the urge that I did: there was a stunning statue with a view of Florence in the background that begged to be captured on camera.
I only took one photo and it is now amongst my most favorite photos that I have ever taken in all of my adventures around the globe. . .
This trip just keeps looking better and better! I love the photos!
It definitely got better and better even though it was amazing from day one!
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amazing!! you are my new favourite 🙂
Awww thank you! 🙂
I am in love with that photo. There is a little bit of extra satisfaction to having taken one shot and then loving the outcome, isn’t there? I hope your holidays are filled with magic and love, darling. I’m so blessed to have found you this year.
Thank you for always leaving the MOST amazing comments!!! Yes I totally agree, it’s almost like I was using a camera with film rather than a digital one. I wish you the same for your Holidays and I also hope that our paths cross soon. You are one amazing and incredibly inspiring woman. Much love!!!
Wow, the interior is amazing! The views are great too, but the craftsmanship that must have gone into the decoration wins it for me.
I didn’t take enough pictures of the interior, but I always feel uncomfortable taking pictures inside churches.
It’s so gorgeous!!! Took my breath away truly!
You take the perfect pics girl!
Thanks dearly!
really stunning shots of Florence. Am glad you’ve taken one of your favourite shots in Florence. There’s no better place.
Thank you so much, such kind words!!! I’m glad that I took it there too. 🙂
Didn’t want this post to end!
You’re too sweet!
Love the photo of the statue! Looks like you had an amazing cultural experience 🙂
Thanks, me too!!! Yes, it was definitely amazing! I can’t wait to return to Italy, I miss it SO much.
Awesome!
Love the architecture! (and the views…)
Sooo gorgeous right!? Ahhhhh Italia!
Sometimes I think it’s good to throw in a tour on your travels, especially if you’re a bit short on time. Beautiful photos!
Couldn’t agree more! I think it’s important to choose your tour wisely though. Thanks soooo much for your kind words dear!!
I’m not easily impressed but you’ve done it with that positng.
Awww what wonderful news!
Gorgeous pictures, and what great views! I’ll certainly look it up if I go to Florence 🙂
Thanks a million! And you can’t miss this church if you go to Florence, it’s a must-visit haha!!!
Loved this post!
Yay!
Magnificent….definitely adding to my Florence list the next time I am there…Love that photo from the cemetery..I remember when you were there!!
I’m so glad that you’re adding this spot to your list of places to visit — I know you’ll love it!!!
A rellay good post my friend!
Glad you enjoyed!
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Beautiful photos! I love the one of you… You always look so pretty on the road!
You are WAY too kind, thank you darling!
I’m surprised to find out that this monastery is rarely visited by tourists. Although when I was there, there weren’t as many tourists here. Surprising since it is so close to Piazza Michaelangelo.
I walked around the gravesite and saw a lot of beauty. Although, I missed the statue that you took your lovely photo of. I remember remarking to my friend how being buried there must have been the most expensive real estate in Florence. For those fortunate to have their final resting place right in front of the monastery, got to be buried overlooking the view of their beloved Florence that we all enjoy seeing.
Excellent tour recap, Andi.
It really is surprising! It’s such an extraordinary place!!! I would LOVE to be buried there one day haha, but yeah don’t think I could afford a spot. Thanks for your kind words — and I loved the post you wrote about it.
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Wow these pics are amaaaaaaazing!
Thank you so much!!!
Loving your gorgeous shots!
Awww thank you SO much!!!
So glad you got that last shot- it’s gorgeous!
Thanks a million!
Great pics & story!
Thanks!!!
Definitely worthy of being your favorite photo! Now, you probably already know this, but just in case not: those spots appearing in your photos (most visible on light backgrounds like the skies) are from spots on your camera sensor. Easy to fix by dropping your camera body at your local camera shop for sensor cleaning!
I’m not quite sure which pics you see the spots in? They all look clear to me. Could you please email me, I definitely want to fix the problem.
Everything about your trip is just perfect.
HAve a happy happy happy 2012 dearest Andi.
Awww thank you so so so much! I hope 2012 is your best year yet gorgeous!!!
I had it on my to-do list to return to this post and once again see that photo… first time was on twitter and I wanted to look at it full screen. Simply magnificent. It was well worth the return. #Stumbled.
stay adventurous, Craig
Awww thank you so much for such an awesome comment, I’m glad you enjoyed the photos so much!!! Thanks for the stumble! 🙂
(through twitter on my iPhone – small screen)
Cheers for such a wonderful site!
Glad you enjoyed it!!!
Gorgeous pics!
Thanks a million!!! 🙂
Great pics like always!
Thanks Andy!
I need to go on a Trafalgar Tour now!
Yes you do!!! You’d love it!
Beautiful work!!!!
Thanks Shelly!
Stunning pics, take me there now!
Take me back there now too!
Love your work Andi!
Thanks Jane!
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That is really a stunning picture but … I’m going to be a geek now and say that it reminds me of those horrible moving statues in Doctor Who that move closer to you when you’re not looking at them. Scary stuff” …. Yup. Geek!
Oh gosh that sounds creepy! I’ve never seen Doctor Who thank goodness!!!
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I can your happiness in your face, how happy you are while traveling. Thanks for sharing this informative travel guide with us through your amazing travel journey.