A house of worship located in Pieve di Sinalunga, a town in Tuscany known for its ancient origins evidenced by Etruscan and Roman archaeological finds. The Church of San Pietro ad Mensulas is distinguished by its sober and solid Romanesque architecture, exemplified by the facade composed of stone and brick, characteristic elements of that artistic period.
The structure of the facade is embellished by the presence of two single-lancet windows, positioned at the side aisles, and a mullioned window, located above the entrance portal, which lends elegance and harmony to the architectural whole. Internally, the church is enriched by stained glass windows that let the outside light filter through, creating brilliant color plays and meditative atmospheres.
The interior of this sacred place preserves two precious stone artifacts: the funerary stelae of Caius Umbricius and of the freedwoman Umbricia Pyramis, which were discovered nearby and offer us a glimpse into the life and funerary customs of ancient times.
A large painted wooden cross towers over the high altar, revealing the expressive intensity of the painter Pietro di Giovanni d’Ambrogio. The face of Christ, imprinted on the wood, is characterized by suffering lines and a skillful play of chiaroscuro shaping the right arm and hand, emblematic of deep spirituality and artistry.
Prominent among the works of art present is the painting of the Madonna and Child with the Holy Mysteries of the Rosary, a work attributed to Francesco Franci, a prominent Sienese artist. The canvas, framed by an elaborate gilded frame, is divided into fifteen panels representing the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. In one of these panels it is possible to read the signature “Orazio Porta” and the date “1578,” which allow us to date the work and attribute its workmanship to this specific artist.
The Church of San Pietro ad Mensulas, therefore, holds within its walls not only the faith and devotion of the faithful, but also parts of history and art that span the centuries, making it a precious container of culture and spirituality for the community of Pieve di Sinalunga and for visitors who come to this corner of Tuscany.
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