The Church of San Giovanni in Farnetella, a picturesque hamlet in the territory of Sinalunga, turns out to be embedded in the older fabric of this village. Although the sources regarding its construction indicate 1392 as the year of its construction, it is possible that its origins go back even further into the past, dating back to the previous century.
Upon entering the interior of this sacred place, visitors are confronted with significant artistic expressions. Prominent among them are two wooden statues by Francesco di Valdambrino, an early 15th-century Tuscan artist known for his skill in wood carving and his contribution to the art of the Italian Gothic period. The statues highlight not only the craftsmanship of the period, but also the expressive depth through which the artist was able to convey spiritual and religious content.
The church also houses a fresco of great visual and historical impact: the Madonna and Child with Saints. This work has been attributed to the circle of Cristoforo di Bindoccio and Meo di Pero, two painters who worked together in Siena in the second fourteenth century. Their style, steeped in Sienese tradition but open to the innovations of the time, left a significant imprint on the artistic landscape of the province. The frescoes reflect the delicacy and attention to detail that are distinctive features of Italian Gothic art, which can be found in the bright colors and elegant forms.
The Church of San Giovanni, therefore, stands not only as a fundamental house of worship for the community of Farnetella, but also as a custodian of works of art that tell a piece of medieval and Renaissance religious art history in Tuscany, making it a valuable stop for lovers of art and spirituality.