Was this sturdy gate once the only thing standing between Florence and invaders? Here we are at Porta San Giorgio, a medieval gateway that has stood guard over Florence for centuries. Imagine the hooves of horses and the marching of soldiers echoing under its archway. The Porta San Giorgio was part of the sixth and last set of walls built to protect Florence, completed in 1324. It was named after a nearby church, the Church of San Giorgio, which, sadly, no longer stands. Look up! See that beautiful fresco in the archway? That’s the work of Bicci di Lorenzo, depicting the Madonna and Child with Saints Leonard and George. Notice how St. George, on the right, proudly bears the red cross on a white shield, once the symbol of Florence. But this gate has seen its share of turmoil. During the 1529 siege of Florence, none other than Michelangelo himself helped fortify this very gate against cannon fire! Today, Porta San Giorgio stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Florence, a silent sentinel guarding centuries of stories.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,