Can a church be a refuge for both travelers and saints? Here at the Chiesa di San Piero a Monticelli, the answer is a resounding yes. This unassuming church, nestled on the corner of Via Pisana and Via di Soffiano, has stood for nearly a millennium, witnessing the ebb and flow of Florentine life. Its story begins in 1051, as part of the grand Benedictine Abbey of Sant’Antimo. Imagine weary travelers, journeying along the bustling Via Pisana, finding solace under the arches of the Chiesa di San Piero a Monticelli’s portico. In 1345, the church took on a new role, becoming home to a convent of nuns who eventually adopted the Benedictine order. Centuries later, the church underwent a dramatic transformation with Baroque decorations, becoming a parish in 1779. But it is within these sacred walls that the Chiesa di San Piero a Monticelli whispers its most captivating tales. In 1377, Saint Catherine of Siena found shelter within the convent’s walls, a testament to the church’s enduring compassion. She later gifted the nuns a crucifix, a poignant reminder of her time here. Years later, another Catherine, who would become Saint Catherine de’ Ricci, experienced her first mystical ecstasies in front of the church’s Giotto-esque crucifix, a treasure that still graces the church today. Look closely, and you’ll discover a captivating Annunciation by a young Jacopo Ligozzi, a testament to the church’s artistic treasures. The Chiesa di San Piero a Monticelli is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a sanctuary where art, history, and faith converge, leaving a lasting impression on all who cross its threshold.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,