This unassuming church, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve al Portico, holds a past closely tied to Florence’s turbulent history. Originally a humble monastery for Augustinian nuns, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve al Portico emerged in the 14th century. The nuns, dedicated to a life of quiet contemplation, found their sanctuary disrupted during the siege of Florence in 1529. Forced to flee their peaceful abode, they returned to find the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve al Portico ransacked and desecrated by the invading troops. Rebuilt and reconsecrated, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve al Portico gained its current name in 1705. This followed a curious event: a summer snowfall in August 1702, deemed miraculous by the locals. The event led to the church’s rededication to Santa Maria della Neve, “Our Lady of the Snow”. The church’s interior boasts a noteworthy fresco cycle. Antonio Domenico Bamberini, a prominent Florentine artist, adorned the ceiling with a depiction of “The Glory of St Augustine”. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve al Portico, a silent witness to Florence’s changing fortunes, stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of faith.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,