SETTIGNANO sites of historical interest
Birthplace of Bernardo Rossellino (1409 - 1464) renowned sculptor and architect and of his brother Antonio (1427 - 1479), it is now known for its beautiful gardens, among the most famous in the world, and for its unique view of Florence.
This three nave church has a stone pulpit designed by Bernardo Buontalenti, a lovely terracotta statue of Saint Lucy attributed to Michelozzo, a Della Robbia Madonna and Child with two angels behind the main altar and a rare papier machè Crucifix by Pietro Tacca.
Inaugurated in 1904 as the location for the new statue of Desiderio da Settignano, by Vittorio Caradossi, which dominates it, this square offers a lovely panorama of Florence and the neighboring hills.
On the outskirts of Settignano, following Via Desiderio, is this recently restored chapel built in honor of Our Lady who appeared to a humble girl. Therein can be admired a detached fresco, badly damaged by age, attributed to Botticelli. The original synopia, also on view, is of exceptional quality and beauty.
Settignano's main square is dominated by the graceful 18th century facade of Trinity Chapel (Oratory of the Misericordia), a rather non descript statue of the philosopher Tommaseo and the handsome stone fountain of Meo del Caprina (1430 - 1501) much in need of repair.
Formerly a country house, this villa was bought by Michelangelo's father who had his son brought up by a wet-nurse, wife of a stone mason. Here he spent his youth and probably learned the first rudiments of his art.
Though not formally part of Settignano, the owner, art critic Bernard Berenson, so desired. He willed the villa, the library and the remaining art objects to Harvard University which has transformed the residence into a center of Italian Renaissance studies.
For over ten years the residence of Gabriele d'Annunzio, a well known Italian poet, where he was visited by the great actress Eleonora Duse during their torrid love affair. Her villa, called La Porziuncola, was just across the street.
