Is this the sanctuary they whispered about? The Chiesa di San Pietro a Varlungo stands before us. It doesn’t boast the grandeur of the Duomo, yet its history whispers with a different kind of power. Built in the 12th century, the Chiesa di San Pietro a Varlungo has witnessed centuries of Florentine life outside the bustling city walls. But it’s during the darkest days of World War II that its story takes an extraordinary turn. While fear gripped Florence, the Chiesa di San Pietro a Varlungo became a beacon of hope. Its parish leaders, the courageous Don Leto Casini and Don Giovanni Simioni, transformed the church into a sanctuary for persecuted Jews. They risked everything, providing shelter and aid, defying the encroaching darkness. Today, Casini and Simioni are honored as Righteous Among the Nations at Yad Vashem. Their bravery is a testament to the human spirit’s enduring light. Their legacy lives on in the very stones of Chiesa di San Pietro a Varlungo, a silent testament to courage and compassion in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,