Nestled in the heart of Arezzo, the Badia delle Sante Flora e Lucilla is a stunning testament to history and art that beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of architectural brilliance and sacred relics. This historical gem, situated in the charming Piazza della Badia, invites visitors to step back in time and explore the stories woven into its very walls.
The story of the Badia delle Sante Flora e Lucilla begins with a relocation. In 1196, the city of Arezzo demanded the transfer of a monastery dedicated to Saints Flora and Lucilla from its original location near Olmo to within the city walls. By 1209, a modest church and monastery had been established, laying the foundation for the magnificent structure we see today.
The Gothic transformation of the church commenced around 1278, with the monastery following in 1315. The 15th century saw further enhancements, including the construction of a cloister designed by Giuliano da Maiano. However, it was Giorgio Vasari's ambitious redesign in 1565 that truly shaped the church's current grandeur, a project that extended into the 17th century with the addition of the bell tower in 1650.
The façade of the Badia delle Sante Flora e Lucilla reflects the dual phases of its construction. To the right, the Gothic elements in sandstone reveal the traces of a medieval portal and a bifora window. The late 16th-century portal takes center stage, partially concealing its predecessor, while the left side showcases the expansion from the same period.
Inside, the church is a masterpiece of design, embodying the innovative spirit of the era of Cosimo I. Though it appears to have three naves, it is actually a single nave ending in a domed crossing with a deep presbytery. This unique layout is complemented by interconnected chapels, creating a harmonious flow of space. The square bays of the nave are covered alternately by sail vaults and transverse barrel vaults, a pattern mirrored in the rectangular side chapels.
The church is a sanctuary of art, housing works of profound historical and artistic significance. On the counter-façade, to the left of the portal, is a fresco of Saint Lawrence by Bartolomeo della Gatta, dating back to 1476. This important piece, restored in 2023, stands alone, suggesting that the chapel described by Vasari might have been located elsewhere.
To the right of the entrance is Giorgio Vasari's Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin, relocated here in 1865. This magnificent altarpiece, originally crafted for Filippo Salviati, depicts a celestial scene divided into two registers, with Christ crowning the kneeling Virgin amidst cherubs, while the lower register features an open sarcophagus surrounded by apostles.
The presbytery is dominated by Vasari's monumental altar, originally created for his family's chapel and moved here in 1865. This intricate work, designed to be admired from all angles, includes paintings on both its front and back. The central panel, The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew, was initially made for Pope Julius III and later returned to Vasari by Pope Pius IV.
Above the main altar, Andrea Pozzo's Finta Cupola, painted between 1701 and 1702, captivates with its trompe-l'œil effect. This masterpiece, measuring over 8 meters in diameter, creates the illusion of a dome, showcasing Pozzo's expertise in perspective. Commissioned by Vincenzo de’ Chiasserini, this work adds a touch of Baroque splendor to the church.
The Badia delle Sante Flora e Lucilla is not only a treasure trove of art and architecture but also a revered sanctuary housing the relics of Saints Flora and Lucilla. These sacred relics, brought to Arezzo by Bishop Giovanni in the 9th century, continue to draw pilgrims and visitors alike, adding a spiritual dimension to the church's allure.
The Badia delle Sante Flora e Lucilla stands as a beacon of Arezzo's rich cultural heritage, a place where history, art, and spirituality intertwine. Whether you're drawn by its architectural beauty, its artistic masterpieces, or its sacred relics, a visit to this remarkable church promises an unforgettable journey through time and faith.
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