When I entered the church, I found it strange that although there were signs before you walked in the doors, there was very little guidance to familiarize tourists with the church. I walked in a square around the church- I admired the paintings and I even said a prayer in front of the tomb (down the stairs) that contained the bones of Saint Minias. I soon spotted a man wearing white vestments. I introduced myself, telling him that I was a student and I was interested in knowing more about the Church.
He proceeded to tell me that the Church was actually a basilica, and it was named after Saint Minias, who was beheaded for his faith, making him the first martyr of Florence. It was most interesting to learn that this Romanesque structure was even older than the Duomo... by about 200 years! I also identified a depiction of the Pantokrator we had discussed in class- it was situated right above the main apse of the basilica. This section of the basilica was technically upstairs, while downstairs there was a separate chapel - the Chapel of the Crucifix. As I faced the basilica's main facade, the door on the left was blocked off - I found out that this was the portal that was referred to as "the gate of heaven". There was so much symbolism everywhere I turned... I also found it interesting that on the wall, there was a zodiac symbol- I feel as though these are rarely depicted in religious centers... but I guess I could be wrong!
The monk with whom I spoke, Francis Kumi, proceeded to tell me more about the Church. He also told me about how he began his monasticism when he was a young man in Ghana, and how his education led him to Rome and eventually to Florence, where he then joined the monastic community situated right next door to the Basilica of San Miniato! My conversation with him was enlightening, to say the least.
Upon exiting the Church, I walked through a cemetery - Florence's first Christian cemetery! It was ornamented with flowers and vines of all sorts. I also found it interesting that unlike most cemeteries in the United States, this cemetery featured all sorts of tombstones.. most of which were completely flat on the ground, as I found a few weeks ago upon my visit to Santa Croce. As I overlooked Florence from the front facade of the Church, I realized how people must have believed that Saint Minias was "watching over" them, as well as the entire city of Florence! Overall, this was an enlightening experience.
Very glad you had this experience, brava.
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