Chiesa di Sant’Agostino (Church of St. Augustine) is an austere church set above the center of San Gimignano. This 13th-century religious monument takes its name from St. Augustine, a revered Christian theologian and the patron saint of brewers. Marvel at Chiesa di Sant’Agostino’s architecture and its art collection fit for a museum.
Construction of the church began in 1280 and it took almost 20 years to complete. The exterior is simple, with aspects of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Examples are the tall and thin Gothic windows. Entrance to the church is via a side door rather than the door in the main façade.
Venture inside to discover a cornucopia of magnificent art. Most notable are the array of 15th-century frescoes behind the main altar that illustrate the life of St. Augustine. They are the work of Benozzo Gozzoli and his students, Pier Francesco Fiorentino and Giusto d’Andrea. Gozzoli was also responsible for a painting of San Sebastian.
To the right of the church’s central door is the pretty Cappella di San Bartolo (Chapel of St. Bartolo). The chapel’s marble altar, by Benedetto da Maiano, holds the remains of local saint Bartolo. Take a moment to appreciate works by local painter Bastiano Mainardi, which decorate the chapel’s vaults and walls.
Other striking artwork includes depictions of the life of the Madonna. Those responsible for these pieces include Bartolo di Fredi and Lippo Memmi, whose work dates back to the 1300s.
Chiesa di Sant’Agostino dominates Piazza Sant’Agostino, located toward the north of San Gimignano’s historic center. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Piazza Duomo via the town’s medieval streets. On the opposite side of Piazza Sant’Agostino is the Chiesa di San Pietro in Forliano. Built in the 1100s, it is one of the town’s oldest churches.
Chiesa di Sant’Agostino is open daily but closes for a few hours at midday. Admission is free.
