Things to see in Vicchio in the Province of Florence
The Parish Church of Saint John the Baptist: It dates back to the 14th century and has been restructured many times, the last being in 1830. The plan is a Latin cross, preceded by a Renaissance doorway. Inside, there are paintings from the 1500’s: Madonna with Child and Saints John the Baptist and Sebastian by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio and “Madonna of the Rosary” by Alessandro Fei. There is also a 20th century fresco by Giovanni Malesci, depicting Saint John the Baptist.
The Oratory of the Misericordia: The chapel is dedicated to San Filippo Neri but everyone calls it by the name of “Oratorio della Misericordia”. It contains a “Madonna with Child” in glazed terracotta from the end of the 15th century attributed to the studio of the Della Robbia; above the central altar is a “Gesù Morto” (Jesus) in wax by Clemente Susini. Visits by appointment to the Chapel. The house where Benvenuto Cellini lived is near the Oratory.
The Sacred Arts and Popular Religion “Beato Angelico” Museum: preserves and valorizes objects of sacred art (paintings, sculptures, silver work, and liturgical furnishings) coming from ecclisiastical places in the territory of the Mugello.
Giotto’s House: in the hamlet of Vespignano. It's the house where, according to the tradition, Giotto was born.
Inside a critical itinerary of his operas is reconstructed.
Cimabue's Bridge: in the hamlet of Vespignano. Leggend narrates that Cimabue, crossing this bridge, saw the young Giotto busy painting and was delighted by his talent at such a tender age.
The Church of San Martino in Vespignano: located near Giotto’s house. It was built in the 13th century. There is a “Madonna with Child” attributed to a pupil of Paolo Uccello.
The Chapel della Bruna: it is located near Giotto’s house. It represents a mulit-century dedication to the Blessed Giovanni de’Bruni, born in Vespignano in 1234, who used to pray here. Inside, are the remains of a mural painting attributed to the Florentine painter Paolo Schiavo or his school.
The Church of San Donato in Cistio : dating back to the 13th century, it has undergone many restorations. Inside, is a 14th century fresco from the Florentine school depicting the “Madonna delle Grazie”.
The Church of S.Andrea in Barbiana: dating back to the 14th century. Of interest is a fresco of the Giotto school depicting a “Madonna with Child and Saint Catherine”. The importance of the church is above all due to the fact that it was the parish of Don Lorenzo Milani, buried in the church cemetery.
The Parish Church of San Cassiano in Padule: built probably before the year 1000. Even if it has been restored many times, it still maintains a large part of its original structure. There is a bass-relief in stone from the 15th century.
The Church of Santa Maria in Rostolena: of particular interest are the two lunettes over the two doors of the church. One depicts “Saint Elisabeth visited by the Madonna” and the other “An Angel with the Eucharistic symbol”. Visits by appointment only.
The archeological escavations in Poggio Colla: excavations relevant to an etruscan settlement. For information: Gruppo Archeologico, Ispettore Onorario: Santoni Andrea – phone 055 8448682 - www.smu.edu/poggio
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