“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina, the saying rings especially true. The history of Santa Lucia alla Castellina is interwoven with the artistic and spiritual currents of its time. This Carmelite convent, a gift from the Boni family, first graced the hillside of Quinto Fiorentino in the early 16th century. The church, a harmonious blend of elegance and artistry, was added almost a century later, around 1626. As you step inside, let your gaze be drawn to the breathtaking “”Assumption with Child and Saints”” by Volterrano, a masterpiece from 1682 that dominates the choir. But the artistic treasures don’t end there. Santa Lucia alla Castellina houses a stunning collection of paintings, including “”Funerals of Saint Alberto”” by Orazio Fidani (1645), “”The Flagellation”” by Bartolomeo Salvestrini (1626), and “”Prayer in the Garden”” by Jacopo Vignali (1626). Look closely, and you’ll discover the delicate artistry of Carlo Marcellini in the intricate stucco work. The carved walnut confessionals, dating back to 1712, speak to the craftsmanship of a bygone era. And don’t miss the works of Vincenzo Meucci: “”Our Lady of the Rosary”” (1731), “”Saints Andrea Corsini and Mary Magdalene of the Pazzi with Angels”” (1749), and the captivating frescoes surrounding a 16th-century wooden crucifix. Within these hallowed halls, art and history converse in a timeless dialogue, offering a glimpse into the soul of Florence.”
Villa Lo Specchio
The year is 1459. Giovanni Rucellai, a prominent Florentine merchant with a penchant for the finer things in life, surveys