San Miniato is a small hill town 40km/24mi southwest of Florence and 33km/20mi southeast of Lucca. This view is from San Miniato looking north toward the southern part of the Apuan Alps. The snow-capped peaks are up to 2000m/6000 ft high.
The narrow town snakes across three adjacent hill spines. Its location was important all the way back to medieval times as it was on the main route between northern Europe and Rome.
The surrounding area is filled with vineyards and farms. And inside this unassuming church.......
...was this unexpectedly elaborate and beautiful interior.
This entire scene on a side wall (except the bottom center altar) is just a flat painting, created using the trompe l'oeil style that creates the illusion of depth and dimension.
Three happy vacationers resting at the base of the tower.
Surrounding countryside.
The vineyard of Cosimo Maria Masini - an organic winery which we visited for a tasting and tour.
A 2005 vintage seasoning in oak barrels.
Two of their wines pose along the entrance driveway (on their way to our car).
Long cypress shadows in the late afternoon. Once again, like almost everywhere we've been in Tuscany - bellissimo!
Sean. :)
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