Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello (Church of Saint Fridianus), Florence
Take a slow wander through the lesser-known corners of Florence鈥攖he kind of neighborhoods most tourists breeze past. One such area is San Frediano. It may not flaunt headline landmarks, but what it offers instead is authenticity鈥攁 place where you can soak in the rhythm of local life. Just beyond the wide-open Carmine Square lies Borgo San Frediano, a main thoroughfare that still carries the soul of its working-class roots.
Strolling along, you鈥檒l come across a church that seems to rise quietly from the past. Built in the 1680s on the grounds of a former Carmelite convent, it honors Saint Fridianus, an Irish pilgrim who became bishop of Lucca. The name 鈥淐estello鈥� refers to the Cistercian monks who later settled in the adjoining monastery.
From the outside, the rough stone fa莽ade may appear unassuming, but step through the doors and you鈥檙e met with one of Florence鈥檚 most refined Baroque interiors. The space unfolds in graceful symmetry, framed by richly adorned chapels and crowned by a soaring dome. Look up to see Antonio Gabbiani鈥檚 frescoes above the main altar鈥攈is dramatic, sky-bound scenes pulse with the spiritual energy typical of the late Baroque. While there, also keep an eye out for the much-admired 14th-century 鈥淢adonna of the Smile,鈥� along with Poccetti鈥檚 鈥淟ast Supper,鈥� tucked away in the old refectory.
And if your feet need a break or your sweet tooth stirs, you're in the right neighborhood. San Frediano is home to some of the city鈥檚 best eats. Stop by Gelateria La Carraia for a scoop of their daily-made gelato. If cheesecake flavor is on the menu, don鈥檛 think twice. Just order it. And maybe order it again.
Strolling along, you鈥檒l come across a church that seems to rise quietly from the past. Built in the 1680s on the grounds of a former Carmelite convent, it honors Saint Fridianus, an Irish pilgrim who became bishop of Lucca. The name 鈥淐estello鈥� refers to the Cistercian monks who later settled in the adjoining monastery.
From the outside, the rough stone fa莽ade may appear unassuming, but step through the doors and you鈥檙e met with one of Florence鈥檚 most refined Baroque interiors. The space unfolds in graceful symmetry, framed by richly adorned chapels and crowned by a soaring dome. Look up to see Antonio Gabbiani鈥檚 frescoes above the main altar鈥攈is dramatic, sky-bound scenes pulse with the spiritual energy typical of the late Baroque. While there, also keep an eye out for the much-admired 14th-century 鈥淢adonna of the Smile,鈥� along with Poccetti鈥檚 鈥淟ast Supper,鈥� tucked away in the old refectory.
And if your feet need a break or your sweet tooth stirs, you're in the right neighborhood. San Frediano is home to some of the city鈥檚 best eats. Stop by Gelateria La Carraia for a scoop of their daily-made gelato. If cheesecake flavor is on the menu, don鈥檛 think twice. Just order it. And maybe order it again.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Florence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello (Church of Saint Fridianus) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa di San Frediano in Cestello (Church of Saint Fridianus)
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Florence, Italy (See walking tours in Florence)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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