Rignano sull'arno

A TOWN RICH IN RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS

The municipality of Rignano sull'arno, whose name derives from the Latin arinianum, was originally a Roman settlement. Its strategic location made it an extremely important crossing point of the River Arno. At one time, in fact, was a crossroads between Arezzo, Fiesole and Florence which is reached along the famous Etruscan, popularly known as "via Setteponti".

Rignano retains significant religious buildings among which the beautiful Pieve di San Leolino and Pieve di San Lorenzo in Miransù. Both buildings feature typical Romanesque architecture: a Basilica plan with three naves divided by large arches supported by quadrangular pilasters ending with three apses. The Chiesa di San Leolino houses a fresco from the XIV century depicting the coronation of the Virgin and another painting, called "our lady who feeds the Baby" and attributed to Lorenzo di Bicci.

You should also visit the Chiesa di San Cristoforo a Perticaia dating back to the 11th century and richly decorated in the 15th century, as evidenced by some traces of frescoes. Valuable also the Monastero di Santa Maria in Rosano, built in the 11th century, and the Chiesa of San Pietro in Perticaia, where is preserved a precious wooden crucifix made by the Florentine school in the 15th and 16th centuries.

 

Traditions and typical products

Rignano, every September, hosts the Festa del Perdono. The origins of feasts of forgiveness can be traced back to around 1300, historical period marked by continuous harassment and looting. To give comfort to the people, exhausted by this raids, was born the movement of "penitents". The "penitents" were moving to hamlet in Hamlet, preaching peace and forgiveness.

From this movement originated the current "festa" that every year animate towns in Valdarno area.

 

Photo Credits [comune.rignano-sullarno.fi.it]