“A church built for Florentines, by Florentines – can you believe it?” whispered a tourist to his companion. They stood before the Chiesa di San Giovanni dei Fiorentini, an imposing basilica nestled near the Tiber River. This grand church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence, stands as a testament to the Florentine community that once thrived in Rome. Its story began in the 16th century, under the patronage of Pope Leo X, a member of the powerful Medici family from Florence. He envisioned a magnificent new church for the Florentines residing in Rome. The project attracted some of the most illustrious names in Italian Renaissance and Baroque architecture: Sansovino, Sangallo, della Porta, and even Michelangelo, were invited to submit their designs. The church we see today, with its distinctive elongated dome, is the result of their combined genius, spanning over a century of construction. Inside, the Chiesa di San Giovanni dei Fiorentini holds treasures that whisper tales of artistry and faith. The high altar showcases a dramatic sculpture of the Baptism of Christ, a masterpiece by Antonio Raggi. As you explore further, you’ll discover intricate funerary monuments. One of them belongs to the renowned architect Francesco Borromini, who poured his heart into designing parts of this very church, ultimately finding his final resting place beneath its soaring dome. The Chiesa di San Giovanni dei Fiorentini is not just a beautiful building. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Florentine community in Rome.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to