The Church of Santa Lucia al Borghetto, in the municipality of Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, is one of the most significant examples of Gothic architecture in the Chianti region. The building features a single, wide nave with a trussed roof and a square apse with a cross vault, illuminated by a mullioned window. This layout reflects the requirements of the Franciscan order, which favoured simple, light-filled spaces suitable for preaching and religious instruction through images and frescoes.
The façade, remodelled in the early 20th century in the Neo-Gothic style, is characterised by a portal surmounted by a lunette decorated with a 14th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child between two angels, now partly deteriorated. To the right of the portal is a 14th-century tombstone belonging to a member of the Gherardini family.
Inside, restoration work has brought to light important fragments of a pictorial cycle dating from the second half of the 14th century. On the right-hand wall are figures of holy monks, Saint Catherine of Alexandria and a Madonna and Child on a throne, attributed to the Master of the Annunciation of the Legnaioli; on the left-hand wall is a depiction of the Announcing Angel. Also on the right-hand side is a crucifixion of Christ on panel, dating from the late 14th century and attributed to the same artist.
The high altar houses a 15th-century wooden crucifix, whilst the Chapel of the Assumption, renovated in Neo-Renaissance style in 1927, preserves the Annunciation by Neri di Bicci, dated 1471. Taken as a whole, the church represents a precious treasure trove of art and spirituality, capable of recounting the deep Franciscan tradition of the area.
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