Hidden in plain sight, the Oratorio di San Luca a Quaracchi stands as a quiet sentinel of time. This unassuming structure, nestled in the Florentine suburb of Quaracchi, might easily be mistaken for just another charming dwelling. However, don’t let its modest exterior fool you. The Oratorio di San Luca a Quaracchi whispers a tale that stretches back to the 14th century. It once served as a vital part of the Augustinian convent of San Luca. Imagine a time when the halls of this convent bustled with the daily routines of devoted nuns. In 1346, seeking the safety of the city walls, the nuns relocated their order within Florence. They established what would later be known as the Educandato di Foligno. The nuns left behind their former home in Quaracchi, selling the land and buildings. These structures gradually transformed into more practical rural dwellings. Yet, amidst these changes, one element endured – the convent’s chapel. This chapel, lovingly preserved and reshaped over the centuries, would eventually become what we now know as the Oratorio di San Luca a Quaracchi. The Oratorio di San Luca a Quaracchi stands as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring spirit of faith. Its journey, from a bustling convent to a peaceful oratory, is a tangible reminder of Florence’s rich and layered 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,