Discover San Jacopo Al Girone

San Jacopo Al Girone brings together church history, art, a memorial site on the Arno, and routes for walking and cycling. Its historical landmarks range from a hospitium for travelers and pilgrims mentioned in 1201 to the consecration of the Chiesa di San Jacopo al Girone in 1989. For planning your trip, the mix of cultural attractions and different routes is useful: you can decide whether to focus mainly on church art, the history of the Second World War, or a ride along the river.

Church History and Art

A hospitium for travelers and pilgrims was mentioned in Girone in 1201. A rectory church, San Jacopo al Girone, was already in existence in the 13th century. These are two distinct historical landmarks: the hospitium represents accommodation for travelers and pilgrims, while the rectory church reflects the area's church history.

The Chiesa di San Jacopo al Girone was built using reinforced concrete with exposed concrete surfaces and was consecrated on February 26, 1989. Exposed concrete refers to the visible concrete surface, while reinforced concrete combines concrete and steel reinforcement. The church building can therefore be considered both in terms of its construction and its place in time.

Inside the church is a panel painting by Francesco Granacci, dating from 1520/1530 and originating from the church of San Pietro a Quintole. The Chiesa also preserves a wooden crucifix attributed to the school of Giambologna (1529–1608). For the panel, the artist, period, and origin are specified; for the crucifix, the wording describes an artistic attribution to Giambologna's school.

The Florence War Cemetery on the Arno

The Florence War Cemetery is located on the banks of the Arno near Il Girone. It contains 1,632 Commonwealth graves from the Second World War. From Florence's Santa Maria Novella main railway station, bus route 14A runs to its terminus at Girone. The cemetery is about 100 meters from there. Check the current timetable before traveling, as transit information can change.

Walks and Cycling Connections

A walk along Via del Loretino leads to the Gualchiere del Girone, known for fulling wool cloth. Fulling involves working and compacting wool fabric. The route therefore leads to a place whose history is connected with textile processing.

There is also a short combined cycling and walking connection of about 700 meters between Piazza delle Gualchiere and Via dell’Arno. The two named endpoints and approximate length provide a clear point of reference for a short stretch, whether you are walking or cycling.

The “Intorno a Firenze in bicicletta” cycling route runs downhill from Fiesole to San Jacopo Al Girone, then continues along the cycle path on the right bank of the Arno. The route therefore has two sections: the descent to the village and the subsequent stretch along the river. Check current route conditions before setting out, as surfaces may change.

Discover more destinations: Ellera

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