Set high on a hill above the city of Florence, San Miniato al Monte is a pinnacle of Tuscan-Romanesque architecture. Originally a Benedictine basilica, San Miniato was completed in the traditional style of the time- simple, geometric, and with a white marble facade with green accents. This colour contrast represents significant features; for example, arches and columns were highlighted in green to stress their architectural importance. The green colour of these components helps guide the eye over the structure's many curves, lines and angles.
Being at San Miniato al Monte, one can understand the significance of its location. On top of the hill the view of city is unmistakably clear and beautiful- in the past, it would have been possible to see all of the movement into and out of the city. In addition, being at San Miniato, so far above Florence, there is a feeling of isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city. This would have been perfectly conducive to the lifestyle of monks of the Benedictine order, who preferred to set up their monasteries away from populated areas. The peace, quiet, and serenity of the atmosphere at San Miniato really lends to a person's understanding of why a religious order would choose this place above all others to establish their place of worship.
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