The year is 1680. Imagine the symphony of clanging hammers and chiseling against stone here at the Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello. The air is thick with dust and the sounds of ambitious reconstruction. The original Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello, once a humble monastery, is being reborn under the watchful eye of architect Gherardo Silvani. The Cistercian monks, eager to make their mark on Florence’s skyline, had entrusted Silvani with a grand vision. They wanted a church that would rival the beauty of the Duomo while still reflecting the Cistercian values of simplicity and austerity. The Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello stands as a testament to their ambition, a fusion of grandeur and restraint. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a bright and airy space, the sunlight streaming through the large windows of the dome, a stark contrast to the dimly lit interiors of other churches of that era. Look up and let your gaze be drawn upwards to the magnificent dome. This architectural masterpiece, completed in 1689 by Antonio Maria Ferri, crowns the Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello with a flourish. The frescoes adorning the dome, depicting scenes from the Glory of Saint Magdalena and the Virtues, are a testament to the artistic talent of the time. But the Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello holds more than just artistic treasures. It’s a place where history has been written and rewritten, its walls echoing with the whispers of the past. Its current name, a badge of honor from a fallen comrade, was bestowed upon it in 1798. This followed the demolition of the older Chiesa di San Frediano. The old church, steeped in legends of St. Fridianus parting the Arno River, stood where the grand Palazzo Magnago Feroni now stands. So, the next time you find yourselves gazing at the Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello, remember, you’re not just looking at a building, but at a tapestry woven from history, ambition, and artistry.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,