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The Basilica of San Miniato al Monte is located in Florence, Italy. St Miniato (Minias) was the first Christian martyr of Florence. It is said he was stoned, thrown into a furnace, sent to be devoured by a lion, but survived these trials. Eventually he was beheaded in 250 in the presence of the emperor Decius at the Pizza del Signora. He then picked up his head and walked across the Arno River to his hermitage and died. His relics were buried there on a high hill known as Monte di Firenze. Over time the basilica over his tomb deteriorated and restored a millennium ago. The four postal card designs were issued to reflect scenes from St. Miniato's life, especially associated with his martyrdom, and taken from the Basilica's 14th century altarpiece by Jacopo del Casentino. The postcard cover displays a rendering of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte. The postal indicia depicts the head and shoulders of the saint, bearing a palm branch and a sword, in values of €1,10, €1,15, €2,40, and €3,00.

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