Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
San Francesco
The 13th-century church of San Francesco contains
Piero della Francesca's
Legend of the True Cross
(1452-66), one of Italy's greatest fresco cycles. The
frescoes, now visible again after a long restoration, show
how the Cross was found near Jerusalem by the Empress
Helena. Her son, the Emperor Constantine, adopted it as
his battle emblem. In reality, Constantine granted the
Christian faith official recognition through the Edict of
Milan, signed in 313. He is said to have bequeathed the
Empire to the Church in 337, although this was still
hotly disputed when Piero painted the frescoes.
Visitors have a limited time in the chapel and
advance booking is mandatory.
Exaggerated Hats
Piero often depicted
historical figures in
Renaissance garb.
Judas reveals
where the Cross
is hidden.
The Cross
returns to
Jerusalem.
Painted Crucifix
The 13th-century
Crucifix forms the focal
point of the fresco cycle.
The figure at the foot of the
Cross represents St Francis.
The Empress Helena
watches the
Cross being dug up. The town
shown in the background,
symbolizing Jerusalem, is an
accurate representation of 15th-
century Arezzo.
The Annunciation
, with
its stately figures and aura
of serenity, is typical of
Piero's enigmatic style.
The Defeat
of Chosroes
The battle scene shows
the chaos of Renaissance
warfare. Piero was influ-
enced by ancient Roman
carving, especially the
battle scenes that often
decorated sarcophagi.
