"Toledo", Blog English, Country, Spain

Church of “Santo Tomé”, Toledo

The Church of San Tomé in Toledo, Spain, was built in the twelfth century over an eleventh century mosque. During the reconquest of Toledo by Alfonso VI, it was customary to build churches on the remains of mosques and synagogues, not only to mark the triumph of Christianity, but also to take advantage of the foundations and materials used in them. Continue reading “Church of “Santo Tomé”, Toledo”

Blog English, Country, Florence, Italy

The First Duomo of Firenze

A few steps from the “Palazzo de’Medici Riccardi” is the “Basilica San Lorenzo”. It is alleged that it is the oldest church in the Italian city of Firenze, consecrated by Saint Ambrose in 393. Originally, the “Basilica San Lorenzo” was located just outside the city walls. It is said to have been the first Firenze Cathedral, although there are those who claim that honor for the “Basilica of Santa Reparata”, disappeared since 1292. In fact, it was after 300 years, between the seventh and eighth centuries, the title of Duomo or Cathedral went to the Basilica of “Santa Reparata”. It is on the remains of the Basilica of “Santa Reparata” that the Cathedral of “Santa Maria del Fiore” was built. Continue reading “The First Duomo of Firenze”