In the heart of Tuscany, nestled in the countryside outside Florence, stands the Oratorio di Santa Caterina delle Ruote. This unassuming building holds a treasure trove of vibrant frescoes. The Oratorio di Santa Caterina delle Ruote was built in the mid-1300s by the Alberti family, a prominent Florentine family. This simple, symmetrical building, constructed of alberese stone and macigno, is a testament to Italian Gothic architecture. Step inside the Oratorio di Santa Caterina delle Ruote, and you’ll be greeted by a riot of color and form. The walls are adorned with an intricate cycle of frescoes that tell the story of St. Catherine of Alexandria. Painted by masters like the Maestro di Barberino, Pietro Nelli, and Spinello Aretino, these frescoes bring to life the dramatic tale of Catherine’s life. You’ll see scenes of Catherine’s refusal to renounce her faith, her imprisonment, and her miraculous escape from a spiked wheel. The latter event, a testament to her unwavering faith, earned her the moniker “delle Ruote,” meaning “of the wheels.” These frescoes, having undergone extensive restoration, now shine in their original splendor. The Oratorio di Santa Caterina delle Ruote is a hidden gem. It offers a glimpse into the artistic and religious fervor of 14th-century Tuscany.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,