Santa Maria della Pieve
This article includes a improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (February 2018) ) |
Santa Maria della Pieve | |
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St Mary the Virgin | |
Administration | |
Archdiocese | Florence |
Diocese | Arezzo-Cortona-Sansepolcro |
Santa Maria della Pieve is a church in Arezzo, Tuscany, central Italy.
History
The church is documented since as early as 1008, and, during the
The bell tower, finished in 1330, is in Romanesque style.
Description
The church's most striking feature is its façade, with a five-arch lower floor surmounted by three loggias, with the number of columns increasing with the elevation. The columns, and its capitals, are each different from the other (one is a statue). The original façade had no particular features, the current decoration having been added in the 12th century.
The central portal has a barrel vault entrance, and a lunette with a bas-relief of the Praying Madonna with Angels. Under her is a frieze with small angels, and the signature by one Marchionne. In the vault are depictions of the Months of the school of Benedetto Antelami. The two side portals, of smaller proportions, have also decorated lunettes: they depict "Christ Baptized by John" on the right and, at the left, a vegetable motif.
The 13th century apse has also two rows of loggia which recall the façade's structure, repeating the use of different style capitals. The sides have
The tall interior has a nave and two aisles, divided by longitudinal ogival arches whose columns have
The bell tower has a sturdy appearance with five rows of mullioned windows. Internally, the base houses the baptistery. The baptismal font dates to the 14th century, and has panels with Stories of St. John the Baptist by Giovanni d'Agostino (1332–1333).
External links
- The church in I luoghi della Fede, Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, Regione Toscana website
- Images in Flickr