Every year the municipalities of Tuscany participate in an Italy-wide “cultural marathon” with guided visits of hidden treasures and special openings of historical and artistic sites that are normally inaccessible. “Spring Days,” is sponsored by Fondo Ambiente Italiano, (the Italian equivalent of the National Trust), an organization that promotes and safeguards Italy’s historic patrimony. This highly anticipated event occurs this year celebrating the Spring Equinox over the weekend of March 22 – 23.
PISTOIA
The Church of San Leone, in the historic center of Pistoia, could be overlooked due to its small size and the other more well-known edifices, Piazza del Duomo and the Church of San Giovanni Fuoricivitas nearby. Built in 1337 and restored in the 18th century in the Baroque style, it later began to decline without maintenance and was not open to the public. Restored between 2017-2022, it has hosted several Renaissance art exhibitions. The interior is completely frescoed, thus the name “Pistoia’s Sistine Chapel” (open Sunday 9 am to 6 pm).
VIGNONI ALTO
This fortified medieval village, perched above the town of Bagno Vignoni, could attract visitors who desire some exercise and fresh air, as it can only be reached by foot. Originally owned by the Abbey of Sant’ Antimo in the 12th century, the castle and spa site later became uninhabited. The hike is “worth the pain” (2 km from Bagno Vignoni and 3.2 km. from San Quirico d’Orcia) as one can see the remains of the tower, the ancient gates and the Church of San Biagio as well as magnificent vistas.
SAN GIMIGNANO
Most visitors to Tuscany have been enchanted by San Gimignano and its towers which offer a quintessential look at medieval life. Unfortunately, only 14 of the original 72 towers have survived and most of them are not open to the public. During FAI Spring Days visitors are invited to tour the Campatelli Tower, owned by Florentine entrepreneurs. At 28 meters tall, the tower-house built in the 12th century represents the life of a bourgeois family. For the weekend the usual €8 entrance fee is waived but there is a suggested donation of €3 (Via San Giovanni, 15; open 10:30 am to 6:30 pm with guided tours in Italian at 11:20, 3 and 4:30 pm).
SAN GIOVANNI VALDARNO (AREZZO)
This town offers an itinerary of art, history and beauty beginning at the Palazzo d’Arnolfo. Constructed by the master Florentine architect Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century, the palace façade features more than 250 coats of arms representing the Florentine vicars from 1410 to 1760. The atrium contains the “Marzocco,” a lion with a lily shield in its paw, the symbol of Florentine dominion over the area. Today the palazzo houses the Museum of New Lands relating the history of the creation of the Valdarno art and culture centers.
Continue on to the Museum of the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie which hosts an artistic masterpiece “The Annunciation” by Beato Angelico. The nearby Church of Santissima Annunziata, a Baroque style treasure is the next stop.
The itinerary ends at the Casa Masaccio, where the great painter lived. Known for his splendid frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel in Florence, using naturalism and perspective to create a realistic painting, this was Masaccio’s childhood home.
These venues, just a taste of the rich cultural treasures the FAI has organized for view this year, can only pique the interest. For complete information on the many offerings for the 50th anniversary of Spring Days, visit the website: www.fondoambiente.it. (rita kungel)
