Collegiate Church of San Gimignano, Romanesque church in San Gimignano, Italy.
The Collegiate Church is a Romanesque church featuring fourteen classical stone columns supporting a Latin cross layout and black and white marble stripes along its interior walls. The interior is shaped by these geometric patterns and creates visual harmony between structure and decoration.
The original structure was built in 1056 and consecrated in 1148, underscoring its importance as an early medieval foundation. A major expansion took place in 1460 under architect Giuliano da Maiano and shaped the building's current form.
The walls display complete fresco cycles showing Old Testament scenes by Bartolo di Fredi and New Testament stories by the Memmi brothers. These artworks shape the interior's appearance today and tell biblical stories through images for visitors.
A visit requires thoughtful planning since opening hours vary by season, with longer hours available from April through October. Upon entry, an audio guide is offered, requiring an identification document held as deposit.
The Chapel of Santa Fina holds frescoes showing yellow violets sprouting from a wooden board where the young patron saint of San Gimignano died. These botanical details give a spiritual space an unexpectedly living and natural dimension.
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