Sant'Andrea a San Donnino, located on the Via Pistoiese just west of Florence, is an ancient Roman Catholic parish church in the town limits of Campi Bisenzio, Tuscany, Italy. The church features a small art Museum adjacent to it.
The Museum Sant'Andrea (Pistoia, Italy)
Sant'Andrea a San Donnino, located on the Via Pistoiese just west of Florence, is an ancient Roman Catholic parish church in the town limits of Campi Bisenzio, Tuscany, Italy. The church features a small art Museum adjacent to it.
History of Sant'Andrea a San Donnino
The foundation of
Sant'Andrea a San Donnino dates back to the 8th century. However, its current appearance is the result of work carried out between the 12th and 13th centuries. The façade of the church is likely the work of Gruamonte and Adeodato, as is the architrave dating back to 1166, which boasts a depiction of the biblical Three Kings, the first pilgrims in Christian history.
Artworks at Sant'Andrea a San Donnino
The church features a magnificent pulpit with white marble reliefs and porphyry columns, and two painted wooden crucifixes attributed to the work of Giovanni Pisano. The pulpit was created between 1298 and 1301.
Painting by 'Giovanni Pisano' : Pulpit (detail)
(( Sant'Andrea (Pistoia, Italy) , Marble , )))
Painting by 'Giovanni Pisano' : Pulpit
(( Sant'Andrea (Pistoia, Italy) , Marble , )))
Painting by 'Giovanni Pisano' : Massacre of the Innocents
(( 84 x 102 cm , Sant'Andrea (Pistoia, Italy) , Marble , )))
Painting by 'Giovanni Pisano' : Adoration of the Magi
(( 84 x 102 cm , Sant'Andrea (Pistoia, Italy) , Marble , )))
Painting by 'Giovanni Pisano' : Pulpit (detail)
(( Sant'Andrea (Pistoia, Italy) , Marble , )))
The Museum adjacent to the church houses several other artworks from various periods. The museum is open every day except Monday and admission is free.
Visiting Sant'Andrea a San Donnino
From Porta Sant’Andrea, after having visited the monuments to Saint James in the Pistoia area, pilgrims would head north towards the Appennine crossings, travelling along the main thoroughfare of the Middle Ages, or rather Via Francesca della Sambuca. Even to the South, Pistoia was connected to the most important European roadway of the Middle Ages, the Via Francigena, which crossed over the Arno River at Ponte a Cappiano.
Conclusion
The Museum Sant'Andrea in Pistoia, Italy, is a must-visit for art lovers and history buffs alike. The church and museum offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Tuscany and the significant contributions made by artists such as Giovanni Pisano. To learn more about the painting process at ArtsDot.com, click here.
Sant'Andrea a San Donnino