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Private Tours of Florence

Old Church, Modern Facade

1/7/2019

 
Walking Tours of Florence
Santa Croce, Florence
Santa Croce

The Franciscan church of Santa Croce might date back to the end of the 13th century, but its marble façade was only added in the middle of the 19th century (1857-63).

It was designed by Niccolò Matas (1798-1872), an Jewish architect from Ancona, and largely financed by Francis Joseph Sloane (1794-1871), a Scottish benefactor, who made his fortune from mining. 

The marble bas-reliefs above the three doors depict the Invention of the True Cross by Tito Sarrocchi, the Triumph of the Cross by Giovanni Dupre and the Vision of Constantine by Emilio Zocchi. ​

The name of the architect (and the date the facade was inaugurated) can also be seen high up on the right side of the church. 

Although Matas was granted the right to be buried in Santa Croce, he chose to be interred outside the main door of the church, for the 'facade of this temple was a monument to its maker' (la facciata di questo tempio fosse monumento all' artefice), as we read on his gravestone. 

Santa Croce without its marble facade, Florence
Santa Croce without its marble facade
Nicola Matas, May 3rd, 1863, Facade of Santa Croce, Florence
Plaque to Nicola Matas
Invention of the True Cross, bas relief by Tito Sarrocchi, Santa Croce, Florence
Invention of the True Cross by Tito Sarrocchi
Triumph of the Cross, bas relief by Giovanni Dupre, Santa Croce, Florence
Triumph of the Cross by Giovanni Dupre
Vision of Constantine, bas relief by Emilio Zocchi, Santa Croce, Florence
Vision of Constantine by Emilio Zocchi
Gravestone of Niccolo Matas, Santa Croce, Florence
Gravestone of Niccolo Matas

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    Blogging about Florence:
    its art, history and culture.


    My name is David Lown and I am an art historian from Cambridge, England.

    Since 200I I have been living in Italy, where I run
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  • Private Tours
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