Secrets of Church of Santi Apostoli,

Did you know that in the heart of Florence there’s a square with a chilling name? Welcome to Piazza del Limbo. It’s called this because an ancient cemetery once stood here for children who died without baptism — souls destined for limbo.

In front of us is the Church of Santi Apostoli, one of the oldest in the city, so ancient it’s nicknamed the “old Duomo.” A legend engraved on the façade claims it was founded in 805 by none other than Charlemagne himself, in the presence of his paladins. Even though history tells us the current building dates back to the 11th century, the fascination remains intact.

The Romanesque façade and the beautiful 16th-century portal are the work of Benedetto da Rovezzano, while the bell tower was designed by Baccio Dagnolo. As soon as you step inside, you’ll breathe in the true Middle Ages. It’s incredible to think that the rationality of these columns and arches inspired Filippo Brunelleschi for his Renaissance architecture.

Among the treasures inside, don’t miss the splendid maiolica tabernacle by Giovanni Della Robbia and the moving Allegory of the Conception by Giorgio Vasari — his first painting, which helped him make a name for himself in Florence. On the altar stands the polyptych of the Madonna and Saints by Jacopo di Cione and Niccolò di Pietro Gerini.

There’s even the tomb of Bindo Altoviti, the banker who dared to challenge the Medici, featuring the allegorical figure of Charity by Bartolomeo Ammannati. It remains a cenotaph, because Altoviti was actually buried in his chapel at Trinità dei Monti in Rome, awaiting a transfer to Florence that never took place.

You’ll also find the funerary monument of Antonio and Done Altoviti, sons of Vindo. It was commissioned by Done himself (prior of the church until 1514) for his brother and for himself, and was sculpted by Benedetto da Rovezzano.

But the real secret is hidden in this small niche. Here are kept fragments of stone from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Tradition says they were brought to Florence by the crusader Pazzino de’ Pazzi in 1099, after he was the first to scale the walls of the Holy City. Even today, every Easter, it is with these very stones that the sacred fire is lit during the Scoppio del Carro in Piazza del Duomo.

A magical place, completely free, far from the tourist crowds, where time seems to have stood still. If you want discover other curiosity of Florence come with us. We are organizing Free Walking Tour of Florence.