Sant'Agostino San Gimignano Tuscany Travel Guide Reviews

This is the finest monastery in San Gimignano. It is one of the town's few examples of Renaissance architecture. It is located in its own Piazza (square) at the north end of town

Although from the outside, it does not appear to be much to look at. This belies its history, which is quite amazing. The town allowed the monks to moved here after they had been robbed one too many times.

It is a fine example of an early Augustinian Church. The works of art within are breathtaking. Amazing frescos by Benozzo Gozzoli and opulent alters. Walking inside here is a truly awe inspiring experience.

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Picture of Sant'Agostino in San Gimignano Tuscany Italy

Augustinian Monks Robbed and Pillaged

Augustinian Monks first moved to the area in 1272. They set up a hermitage at Racciano, 1 mile southwest of Sant'Agostino church's present location. This outpost proved to be far too exposed. It was subjected to raids by bandits and the troops of the proximate Republic of Pisa.

Petition for Sanctuary

After a few years the beleaguered friars petitioned the San Gimignano townsfolk for sanctuary. This was granted without delay. The inhabitants allotted the monks space on which to build a church and convent. They also extended the town walls to provide extra security and helped the church's construction.

San Gimignano Donates to the Cause

Records show that the council even donated 50 bushels of slaked lime and 20,000 bricks towards the project. Sant'Agostino was one of the last churches to be built in San Gimignano: erected in its current location in 1280 and consecrated in 1298.

Architecture of Sant'Agostino

Built in the early days of the Order, this church was created with a simple facade and four large Gothic windows on its right side. Vanvitelli designed the Rococo interior of the church. It has a single nave, a trussed ceiling and three ogival apses.

The two chapels that stand at the front of the nave and the altars along the walls are all subsequent additions to the original structure.

The Church's Alters

The elaborate marble altar of the Cappella di San Bartolo (immediately to your right as you enter) is particularly striking. It was designed by Bendetto da Maiano in 1494. It holds the remains of its titular saint (1228-1300), a lay Franciscan who died of leprosy.

The high altar is also worthy of close inspection; it bears a large, impressive painting of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary by Piero del Pollaiolo, dated 1483.

History of the Works of Art Within

The church's most famous artworks are its breathtaking series of frescoes by Florentine artist Benozzo Gozzoli. The first one, a glorious depiction of Saint Gimignano and his entourage of angels was produced in 1461. It was to give thanks for the cessation of a plague, which had swept across town earlier that year.

The monastery's prior, Fra Domenico Strambi, liked the results and commissioned the Florentine to do more. The next 3 years Benozzo Gozzoli spent covering the walls of the choir with more of his work. The result was a cycle of 17 frescoes documenting the life of St. Augustine of Hippo. These form one of the most important examples of Tuscan narrative art from the era.

Domenico assisted Benozzo in choosing the scenes from St. Augustine's work, The Confessions. This book is known as the first Western autobiography. Most of the images are taken from the book. There are also some popular legends depicted, relating to the Saint.

The Best Work of Benozzo Gozzoli

These lively, colourful frescoes were painted without the aid of models. They are the product of an artist at the pinnacle of his career. Look out for the character on the extreme right of fresco named "Departing for Milan". This is a self-portrait that was included at the behest of the prior. Admission to the church is free of charge.