“Such peace so close to the city,” you might think, and you’d be right. This is Sant’Ilario a Colombaia. It’s a haven of tranquility just outside the bustling heart of Florence. This Roman Catholic parish church, standing peacefully near Porta Romana, boasts a history as rich as the frescoes that adorn its walls. Sant’Ilario a Colombaia wasn’t always a church. Imagine weary travelers making their way to Rome along the old roads. In 1072, this site offered them solace as a humble oratory. Over time, the needs of the faithful grew. By the 14th century, the oratory was transformed into a church, dedicated to Saint Hilary, the 4th-century Bishop of Poitiers. Sant’Ilario a Colombaia even endured an attack in 1325 by the ruthless Castruccio Castracani, only to be reconstructed and stand taller by 1457. Today, the church’s simple façade, with its charming 14th-century portico, whispers tales of its resilience. Step inside, and you’ll discover treasures from different eras. The main altar, framed by a graceful arch, holds a beautiful ciborium from the renowned Andrea della Robbia workshop. Look closer, and you’ll find a masterpiece attributed to Ambrogio di Baldese – a captivating fresco of St. Anthony Abbot, painted around 1400. Sant’Ilario a Colombaia is a silent witness to centuries of Florentine history. It’s a place where art, faith, and time intertwine, offering a moment of reflection just beyond the city’s vibrant embrace.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,