BASILICA SAN FRANCESCO
Art lovers, don't miss the cycle of frescoes by Piero della Francesca, in the Basilica of San Francesco in Arezzo.
Beautiful and sober basilica, whose plan dates from the 13th century and the facade from the following century. The bell tower dates from the 16th century. Inside, in addition to the rose window on the façade, created by a monk from Berry named Guillaume de Marcillat, the famous frescoes by Piero della Francesca, which have been meticulously restored, are a must-see in the choir of the Bacci chapel - named after a family of wealthy merchants from Arezzo. Indeed, it is one of the masterpieces of Italian Renaissance painting. No more, no less!
The frescoes of the cycle of the "Legend of the True Cross"(Leggenda della Vera Croce) is a work by Piero di Benedetto de Franceschi, known as Piero della Francesca (1416-1492). It consists of scenes inspired by episodes from the Bible (Old and New Testaments), but mainly taken from the Golden Legend by James de Voragine, a 13th-century text that tells the miraculous story of the Cross of Christ. The choice of colours, the meticulousness of the details, the conception of the perspective, the play of light make it a revolutionary work of the 15th century, of an infinite richness. The frescoes were magnificently restored (for 10 years!) at the end of the 20th century. It is possible to admire them in small groups for half an hour maximum.
Not to be forgotten are the frescoes by Spinello Arentino (15th century) in the Guasconi Chapel. The Basilica of St. Francis is also known for its large crucifix painted around 1270 by Cimabue, a great master of the Tuscan school.
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