The day I visited the church and took these pictures was on a Monday (after I spent an hour at the American Consulate renewing my passport). When I walked into the church I saw this prayer book open to Monday of the 21st week (I’m not sure: the 21st week of what?)

Among the other things that caught my eye this day was the pulpit on the side of the nave. I assume it would have been on the congregations side of the former rood screen, that no longer exists (again, I assume. That’s the norm for these churches with ancient origins).

Looking up at the ceiling frescoes:

Interestingly, there is a small adjacent chapel that has its own entrance from the street. I don’t believe it has ever been open when I have been here previously. It was definitely worth a look.

The ceiling alone of this chapel was quite something!

And from the transept, a door was open to the church’s cortile, which I for sure have never seen before. I’ve probably always been here during cold weather and this door would of course be shut. Sadly the courtyard was not accessible, but I hope to find it open another time because it looks lovely!

And finally, for this post, another part of the church was open and that is not always the case. It is the former sacristy and it is decorated with very interesting frescoes.

Below: Tadeo Gaddi’s Crucifixion with Mary Magdalene

And, fascinatingly, the study for the Tadeo Gaddi fresco exists and is displayed!

Pietro Nelli, Resurrection, c. 1400

Annunciation from c. 1370 by the Master of the Barberino

As I was exiting the sacristy, I looked up and was rewarded with this striking fresco.

It’s obviously a fascinating church and I will go back again and again, until it is ingrained in me.