Basilica of San Miniato

The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte built between the XI and XIII century, is located on one of the highest places in Florence; it is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy.
The green-white marble façade, which was probably begun in the XI century, is decorated with fine arches and a mosaic: "Il Cristo tra la Vergine e San Miniato".
Inside are works by Michelozzo, Luca della Robbia and Taddeo Gaddi.
Next to it the greater altar rises above the crypt, the most ancient part of the church. This is supposed to contain the remains of "San Miniato", the first martyr of Florence, who was probably a Greek merchant.
Once arrived in Florence he began to live as a hermit. The legend tells that he had been beheaded by the Roman Empire during anti-Christian persecutions but he walked away through Florence afterwards holding his head in his hands ending up in the place where the church was then built.