What secrets lie beneath the Basilica di Sant’Alessandro? Today, the Basilica di Sant’Alessandro stands as a testament to the rich history of Fiesole. This isn’t just a church. It’s a journey through time, a place where Etruscan whispers mingle with the grandeur of Roman architecture. Step inside the Basilica di Sant’Alessandro and feel the weight of centuries. Imagine the skilled Etruscan hands shaping the very ground we stand on, long before the basilica’s walls even existed. As you gaze upon the basilica’s simple yet elegant facade, remember the neoclassical makeover it received in 1814. It’s a far cry from the original structure, which likely dates back to the 6th century. Inside, you’ll find a basilica stripped bare, its original three-aisled structure laid open, reminiscent of the early Christian churches of Rome and Ravenna. Those columns, standing tall and proud, were once part of Fiesole’s grand classical buildings. They were repurposed, given a new life as the guardians of this sacred space. The Basilica di Sant’Alessandro doesn’t shy away from its past. It embraces it, revealing glimpses of Etruscan, Roman, and Longobard history through artifacts unearthed during restorations. Today, the basilica’s story continues, not as a place of worship, but as a space for exhibitions and displays, where the echoes of centuries past mingle with the voices of the present.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,