“A hermit’s life…” you might be thinking, looking at the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore al Romito. “Surely, not the most glamorous story?”. But this church, tucked away in the heart of Florence, holds a secret connection to those solitary souls. The story begins centuries ago. Picture a small oratory dedicated to Santa Lucia, nestled beneath the arches of an ancient Roman aqueduct. This humble structure was built by a hermit, a “Romito” in Italian. This is where the area, and eventually the church, got its name. The Chiesa del Sacro Cuore al Romito itself is a bit younger than the initial oratory. It was constructed in 1925 on the site of the old hamlet. Even this newer structure has seen its fair share of history. The church was damaged during World War II and needed extensive restoration in 1947. You can still see evidence of this rebuilding today – the current portico was added in 1951, a quiet testament to the church’s resilience in the face of adversity. Today, the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore al Romito stands as a symbol of continuity. It links the quiet devotion of a medieval hermit to the vibrant community that thrives within its walls today.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,