Could the Chiesa di Santa Lucia sul Prato truly have begun as a humble workshop? It seems hard to believe, looking at its grand neoclassical facade today. Let me share its story with you. This church, the Chiesa di Santa Lucia sul Prato, dates back to the 13th century and has seen quite the evolution. Initially granted to the Umiliati friars, known for their wool production, its location near the Arno River made it ideal for their work. Imagine the sounds of looms clacking, the air thick with the scent of lanolin, as the friars diligently crafted their wares right here at the Chiesa di Santa Lucia sul Prato. Around 1547, the church changed hands, passing to the Canonici Regolari di San Salvatore, nicknamed the “Scopetini,” who left their mark on the Chiesa di Santa Lucia sul Prato during their time. In 1720, after the Scopetini moved on, the church found itself under the care of secular clergy and the patronage of the prominent Torrigiani family. It was during this period, between 1838 and 1885, that the Chiesa di Santa Lucia sul Prato underwent a significant transformation, taking on its current neoclassical appearance. While the echoes of looms and the scent of wool are long gone, the Chiesa di Santa Lucia sul Prato stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Florence, where faith, craftsmanship, and history intertwine.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,