Parish church of St. John the Baptist A historical treasure in the heart of the village of Montemurlo fortress
Breathe in the medieval atmosphere of the splendid parish church of San Giovanni Battista beheaded, in the small square of the village of Montemurlo fortress.
Outside, the gabled façade stands majestically, adorned with a fifteenth-century porch. From the courtyard, our gaze is captured by a bell tower that emerges with elegance, witness to a past time in which it served as a watchtower of Freccioni Gate (unfortunately today only the lower part remains). In the fifteenth century, the tower was raised and a bell cell was added, transforming it into an even more imposing element.
The interior of the church welcomes visitors with a suggestive single nave, covered by a ceiling of wooden beams. The walls, carefully plastered, reflect the light coming from the 18th century windows, illuminating the environment with a magical atmosphere. Inside, works of art of considerable value are preserved, including an extraordinary "Madonna with Child and Saints" by Francesco Granacci (1522), canvases by Giovanni Stradano (16th century), Matteo Rosselli (16th-17th century) and Giacinto Fabbroni (18th century). In the presbytery, a precious silver cross from the 14th century dominates, linked to the local religious tradition, whose history is represented in a fresco by Giovanni del Grasso, dated around 1592, which adorns the counter-façade.
Normally, the Parish Church can be visited on request.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore this place full of history and admire the works of art that tell the story of Montemurlo's tradition and devotion.