Hidden in plain sight, the Croce al Trebbio stands as a silent sentinel to a turbulent past. Here at the crossroads of Via delle Belle Donne, Via del Trebbio, and Via del Moro, the Croce al Trebbio has witnessed centuries of Florentine life. The granite column, topped by a marble Gothic cross, isn’t just a beautiful artwork. It’s a monument to a dramatic event – the victory of Dominican Inquisitor Pietro da Verona’s “sacred militia” over the Cathar heretics in 1244. Imagine the scene right here, where this peaceful square once echoed with the clash of swords and the cries of the vanquished. This victory, however, is shrouded in uncertainty. While a Latin inscription on the column commemorates the event, contemporary sources are silent, leaving historians to grapple with the truth. Look closely at the cross. You’ll see figures of Christ and Peter Martyr, along with the symbols of the four Evangelists. The Croce al Trebbio is a fascinating blend of art and history, whispering tales of faith, conflict, and the passage of time in the heart of Florence.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,