Russian Orthodox Church of Florence
Situated in Via Leone X, the Russian Orthodox Church of Florence can be visited by making an appointment with its rector.
In contrast with the English community, the Russian community in Florence was never very large and consisted primarily of aristocratic families, including the Demidov family.
It was this very family that financed the construction of the church, to which they also donated their own private chapel’s precious furnishings.
The church was built between 1899 and 1911 on the classic model of a Russian church, with five domes and a bell tower. However it was not possible to build the bell tower, as at that time the tolling of bells in any church other than a Roman Catholic church was strictly prohibited.
The five domes are surmounted by golden crosses encrusted with turquoise white and green gemstone chips. The church is built in red bricks and grey stones with the walls surmounted by typical semicircular arches.
The main door of the Demidov chapel was constructed in walnut and won first prize at the 1860 Art Exposition. The work of the Barbetti brothers, well-known craftsmen of the period, it consists of twenty bas-reliefs that illustrate scenes from the Old Testament.
It main door was later donated to the Florentine Orthodox Church by the Demidov family alongside most of the furniture.
The interiors are richly ornate with marbles and decorations in the style of 16th and 17th century Russian churches. All the decorations and frescoes are the work of early 20th century Russian artists.
Russian Orthodox Church of Florence
Via Leone X, 8
50129 Florence
Italy
Tel. +39 055 490148
www.ortodossia-russa.net
