On the rural outskirts of Florence, nestled amongst the modern humdrum of industry, stands the Oratorio di Santa Maria Vergine della Pietà. You may know it better by its charming nickname, “la cupolina” – the little dome. Don’t let its humble exterior fool you. This small, octagonal temple holds centuries of stories within its weathered walls. Built in 1510, the Oratorio di Santa Maria Vergine della Pietà was designed to be a sanctuary for a sacred tabernacle. This tabernacle, once located near the Osmannoro ditch, found a new home within these very walls. Look above the altar and you’ll see the heart of the Oratorio – a captivating fresco showcasing the sorrowful scene of the Pietà. Painted by an artist close to the Ghirlandaio circle in the late 15th century, it depicts the mourning Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Christ. Alongside them stand St. John the Evangelist, St. John of Arimathea, two ethereal angels, and the poignant symbol of the cross. This masterpiece, like many treasures in Florence, faced the devastating force of the Arno flood in 1966. Thankfully, meticulous restoration has brought it back to its former glory, a testament to the enduring spirit of this small, yet significant, spiritual haven.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,