Collegiata di Sant'Andrea, Collegiate church in Empoli, Italy.
Collegiata di Sant'Andrea is a Romanesque church in Empoli featuring a facade decorated with white marble and green serpentine stone arranged in geometric patterns. The front displays five blind arcades and decorative panels that showcase the style typical of medieval Florence.
The church was commissioned in 1093, as recorded in a Latin inscription above the first cornice, establishing its role in the medieval town. The marble decorations covering the facade took shape between 1140 and 1150, creating the appearance that visitors see today.
The church is named after Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Empoli, and remains a gathering place for the community. Today visitors can attend concerts held here that blend religious heritage with musical performances.
This church is easy to find in the historic center of Empoli and serves as a good starting point for exploring local architecture. Morning or early afternoon light helps visitors see the marble details clearly, making these times ideal for viewing and photography.
This church stands out as the only structure in the Florentine countryside displaying marble decorations in the Florentine Romanesque style. This rarity makes it a special example of this artistic tradition found outside Florence itself.
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