Did that bell just announce Easter? It did if we are standing here at the Chiesa di Santa Maria a Marignolle. This church had the unique privilege of announcing the coming of Easter with its bell. The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Marignolle sits gracefully on a hill in Marignolle, southwest of Florence’s bustling center. Don’t let its peaceful setting fool you though. This church, whose history dates back to the 13th century, has witnessed centuries of Florentine history. Imagine powerful families, like the Medici and the Gianfigliazzi, seeking respite within their grand villas that dotted these hills. In fact, Pope Leo X himself, upon arriving in Florence in 1515, chose the Gianfigliazzi villa for his stay. While the church’s original design has transformed over the years, you see the result of a dedicated restoration project from the early 1900s. Led by architect Severino Crott, this restoration brought the church to its present glory. The Chiesa di Santa Maria a Marignolle was then re-consecrated in 1903, its baptismal font added later in 1949. Today, it stands as a testament to enduring faith, serving as a vibrant parish church and echoing with the stories of a city’s grand past.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,