Sant'Ilario a Colombaia, Renaissance church near Porta Romana, Florence, Italy
Sant'Ilario a Colombaia is a church situated near Florence's Porta Romana gate, featuring a straightforward 14th-century portico with three arches. The interior walls display damaged frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries depicting courtly scenes.
An oratory was first documented at this location in 1072. The structure expanded into a church by the 14th century and was reconstructed following damage sustained in 1325.
The main altar displays a ciborium crafted by the Andrea della Robbia workshop, representing Renaissance craftsmanship at its finest. A 15th-century fresco on the left wall depicts Saint Anthony Abbot, painted by Ambrogio di Baldese.
The location sits close to the Porta Romana gate and is easily reached on foot, with the church typically open to visitors. Modest clothing is recommended and silence should be respected while inside.
American writer James Fenimore Cooper spent summer weeks in 1829 at a villa directly facing the church. His presence shows how this neighborhood attracted artists and thinkers during the 19th century.
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