San Giovanni Valdarno

San Giovanni Valdarno
Comune
Comune di San Giovanni Valdarno
The Valdarno with San Giovanni in the background.

Coat of arms
San Giovanni Valdarno
Location of San Giovanni Valdarno in Italy
Coordinates: 43°33′52″N 11°31′58″E / 43.56444°N 11.53278°E / 43.56444; 11.53278
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Province Arezzo (AR)
Frazioni Badiola-Renacci, Borro al Quercio, Gruccia, Montecarlo, Ponte alle forche, Porcellino, Pruneto
Government
 • Mayor Maurizio Viligiardi
Area
 • Total 21.32 km2 (8.23 sq mi)
Elevation 134 m (440 ft)
Population (31 December 2013)
 • Total 17,159
 • Density 800/km2 (2,100/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Sangiovannesi
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code 52027
Dialing code 055
Patron saint St. John the Baptist
Saint day 24 June
Website Official website

San Giovanni Valdarno is a town and comune in the province of Arezzo, Tuscany, central Italy, located in the valley of the Arno River. It was originally called Castel S. Giovanni.

History

According to the Italian medieval historian Giovanni Villani, the town was founded in 1296 by the Republic of Florence. The design of the historic center is based on the organization of Roman cities with a large central piazza from which two main roads run perpendicular to each other. From these two main roads run other secondary streets.

The town is the birthplace of the early Renaissance painter Masaccio.

Main sights

  • Palazzo Pretorio or Palazzo d'Arnolfo (13th century)
  • Convent of San Francesco a Montecarlo. It houses an Incoronation of the Virgin by Neri di Bicci (1472–1475)
  • Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie (built in 1484, but with a 19th-century Neoclassical façade). Its museum houses Beato Angelico's Annunciation.
  • Church of San Lorenzo (early 14th century)

Twin towns

References

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