A Stunning Church To See Art While On Holiday In San Gimignano

The building dates back, in part, to the 11th century but its more muted Romanesque exterior is less celebrated and well-known than its Gothic interiors and the vibrant and stunning cycle of frescoes that date from the 14th century onwards. Astonishingly, these wonderful paintings remain incredibly bright and fresh to this day, though there are some signs and areas of inevitable wear and tear after centuries of existence, particularly due to the damage that occurred in the city during the height of World War II.

As one enters through a side entrance, they will find a series of different stories from the Old Testament by the Siennese master Bartolo di Fredi to the right and a selection of various scenes from the New Testament on the opposite wall that are usually attributed to Lippo Memmi or other artists who were members of Simone Martini's workshop. On the interior wall of the façade there is another group of frescoes - the most remarkable being Benozzo Gozzoli's 1465 painting of the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian - and to the sides are two wooden statues created by another Siennese master named Jacopo della Quercia. Then, in the small chapel of Santa Fina, there are frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio and some sculpted works by Benedetto da Maiano, two great Renaissance Masters.

In addition to the many other artistic gems that are located throughout the church there is also the small adjoining Museum of Sacred Art for which you can purchase a combined ticket that grants access to both it and the Duomo for a pretty small fee. This charming museum has a relatively trim collection but the pieces that are on display are rather lovely treasures that were gathered together from the Collegiata and other churches and convents in the surrounding area. Some highlights among this collection include a wooden panel of the Madonna of the Rose by the same Bartolo di Fredi who frescoed scenes of the Old Testament in the church and a Crucifix by Benedetto di Maiano, as well as various preciously ornamented reliquaries, crosses, and fragments of some of the frescoes from the Duomo that became detached throughout the centuries and were saved, preserved, and put on display.

So, if you have found a villa in San Gimignano and you are an art-lover who is spending time in the area, be sure to head to the city's lovely Duomo and come along to discover the collection of incredible works of art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance that adorn the church itself and the collection of amazing objects in her corresponding museum. While not nearly as famous as many other churches or museums located throughout the region, this is a true gem and an absolute must-see for those who are really interested in the history of art during their vacation in Tuscany.