Cimitero delle Porte Sante and the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte

My group’s second visit took place at the Cimitero delle Porte Sante adjoining to the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. The translation is Cemetery of the Holy Doors. Construction began in 1837 and the grounds opened to the public in 1848. As I traveled up the steep flights of stairs and viewed the numerous vendors selling paintings, I began to wonder what was in store for my group at the top. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful views of Florence I’ve seen since my study abroad program started. The way the remaining sunset’s rays of light hit the clouds of the Florence skyline was perfect. They illuminated the dome of Basilica di Santa Maria del Flore and broke through the interstices of the trees of the Boboli Gardens. There was also an Italian singer and guitarist performing somber ballads, which made it all bittersweet. It was almost too overwhelming. The tedious task of walking up the stairs through the cold, biting weather was definitely worth it.

The cemetery itself was clean and well maintained. It looked like what a cemetery should look like, a place of respect and honor. It was quite the opposite of the Old Jewish Cemetery in the way it was organized and not jam-packed with gravestones. The stones were not traditional as some were monumental while others were artistic. The monumental chapels with the gardens and cypress trees resembled a small village. It would be an honor to be buried at such a beautiful place overlooking one of the greatest cities in the world. Many famous personalities and figures are buried there and this notion is demonstrated through the lavish nature of the gravestones. This accounts for the certain spirituality lingering there.