San Leonardo in Artimino

This church is already mentioned in an imperial document dated 998 AD. Since then the building has not undergone significant transformations and remains today a rare example of pre-Romanesque Tuscan building. Inspired by Lombard style, it is accessible by a staircase that leads to a sixteenth century loggia preceding the facade. The three apses and the bell tower are also striking external elements. Also on the facade, the Etruscan reliefs (now replaced by plaster copies) stand out . They were found in Etruscan urns. The church may be situated on a necropolis. The interior of this church, made of three naves divided by pillars, has partially kept the sandstone masonry. There are many works of art kept in it: a table attributed to Franciabigio from the sixteenth century (1509), a polychrome terracotta by a Robbian workshop (1515), which represents a “Visitation” and the fresco of “the Blessing Christ ” (XV sec.) by a Tuscan artist from the school of Agnolo Gaddi. The building can be visited on weekdays by appointment by calling 055.8718068, or on Sundays and public holidays from 10.30 am to 12 and from 16 to 18 in the summer and from 14 to 16 in winter.

Directions. Take via della Chiesa from Artimino. A little further down the village, descending towards Camaioni, there is the parish church.
(From “Chiese romaniche nel Montalbano” brochure Prato Apt edited by Katia Corrado)

Translate »