San Lazzaro, Romanesque church in Certaldo, Italy
San Lazzaro is a Romanesque church in Certaldo with thick stone walls, rounded arches, and sturdy columns that showcase the typical features of medieval religious buildings. The interior is simply arranged and reveals the craftsmanship of its construction period.
The church was built in the 12th century when Certaldo came under Florentine control and was transformed from an old feudal territory into a reshaped town. Its construction marked the growing importance of this place as an administrative and religious center in the region.
This sanctuary served as the heart of community life in Certaldo for centuries, functioning not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering point where people met and discussed local matters.
The church is located in the medieval town center of Certaldo and is easily reached on foot or by funicular railway from Piazza Boccaccio. It is best to visit in the morning when fewer visitors are around and light enters the interior better.
Unlike many other medieval churches in the region, San Lazzaro was never rebuilt in the Gothic style and thus retained its original Romanesque character to this day. This makes it a rare example of the pure construction method of the 12th century without later modifications.
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