Sant'Alessandro, Neoclassical basilica in Fiesole, Italy.
Sant'Alessandro is a neoclassical basilica in Fiesole with a symmetrical design and columns of cipollino marble that frame the interior. The building consists of three naves, with the central nave notably wider than the side aisles.
The church was built over the remains of an Etruscan temple and later renamed to honor a different saint. This shift marked the transition from ancient sacred sites to Christian places of worship.
The interior displays artworks spanning different periods that reflect how this place held meaning for communities over time. Visitors can see how artistic tastes and religious practices evolved within these walls.
The building now functions primarily as an exhibition space rather than as an active place of worship. Visitors should approach it as a cultural venue where they can view both the architecture and artworks on display.
Archaeological excavations revealed artifacts from Etruscan, Roman, and Lombard periods buried beneath the church. This layering of cultures shows how this location remained spiritually important across many different eras and peoples.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
