⛪ Church of Saints Fiora and Lucilla in Santa Fiora: Renaissance art on Mount Amiata
📍 The Church of Saints Fiora and Lucilla in Santa Fiora It is one of the most fascinating places on Mount Amiata, capable of surprising visitors from the very first glance. Indeed, from the outside it appears like a medieval building, austere and severe, while inside it reveals a completely different soul.
✨ Upon entering, the light filtering through the rose window, an oculus, a mullioned window, and three single-lancet windows illuminates the room with blue reflections, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Furthermore, this space was designed to house the masterpieces of Andrea della Robbia, which make the church a point of reference for art lovers.
🏛️ However, the history of the parish church is equally fascinating. In the 15th century, the ancient parish church located outside the village was destroyed by a fire. Consequently, it was decided to rebuild it within the village at the behest of the countess. Cecilia Aldobrandeschi and her husband Bosio Sforza.
📜 On this occasion, the church also changed its dedication: from San Leonardo it passed to Sante Fiora and Lucilla. At the same time, the original relics were lost in the fire and were replaced with others from Arezzo, still kept today in a precious Gothic reliquary visible inside the church.
🎨 Subsequently, an important historical event further marked the transformation of the parish church. Pope Pius II Piccolomini He visited Santa Fiora to obtain military support from the Sforza family for a crusade. Although the expedition never took place, after the Pope's death in 1464, Guido Sforza commissioned the famous works by Andrea della Robbia that make the church world-famous today.
🌿 Today, the Church of Saints Fiora and Lucilla in Santa Fiora It's an unmissable stop for anyone visiting Monte Amiata. For this reason, it's perfect for those seeking an experience of art, history, and spirituality in the heart of Tuscany.