Sant’Agata Parish Church was situated on one of the most important Medieval routes: the “Via di Sant’Agata” which connected Florence to Bologna by way of the Passo dell’Osteria Bruciata (Burnt Inn Pass). The town rose around the church, the most important holy shrine in Mugello. It was built before the 11th century and has undergone numerous renovations while maintaining, for the most part, its original structure. The façade is quite unpretentious and intertwining bands are carved into the architrave above the portal. The structure, built in limestone with touches of sandstone and green serpentine, has a central nave and two side aisles which, in a rather original but functional architectural fashion, support the wooden beams that brace the double sloping roof. Inside we find a wooden panel by Jacopo di Cione portraying Our Lady of Grace to whom expectant women pray.

On occasion, especially after earthquakes or other grave events, the panel is carried in procession. We can also find a panel of the Madonna on the throne with Child, San Jacopo and Sant’ Agata said to be by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, a panel of the Madonna and Child holding a ring out to St. Catherine of Alexandria on a predella by Bicci di Lorenzo, and a 16th century octagonal baptismal font of sandstone surrounded by a balustrade composed of seven marble slabs from the 12th century ambo.

Centre for Archaeological Documentation Exhibition and educational laboratory – Chiostro Pieve di Sant’Agata
The exhibition documents the main archaeological recoveries of the west part of the Mugello in the long period that goes from prehistory to modern times.

Collection of Sacred Art Sant’Agata – Compagnia di San Jacopo
This exhibition was born from the necessity of protecting and using the numerous works coming from shrines and deserted churches of the territory in St. Agata and as well as precious witnesses of the artistic life of the parish church.

For further info: Mu.S.A. Musei Sant’Agata www.museisantagata.it