Chiesa e Convento di San Francesco all’Incontro

The construction on the Church and Convent is the work of St. Leonardo of Port Maurice, who was sent here in 1709 by the Franciscans from the province of Rome. The young Franciscan Leonardo had asked to undertake a mission to China, but Cardinal Colloredo responded to him by saying: “Your China will be Italy”. As such St. Leonardo‘s life was dedicated to preaching, devotion and the diffusion of the Cult of Mary (who he thought had saved him from tuberculosis) and Christ throughout Italy. His preaching style was dramatic and tragic. Leonardo often put himself through physical torture, like placing his hand in fire or self-flagellation. Huge crowds were drawn to listen to him and would remain impressed by his searing words that called for repentance and Christian piety. 

The theme of the Cross, which is typically Franciscan, took a central role in Saint Leonardo‘s sermons, so much so that he is considered one of the main inventors and promoters of the Via Crucis, organizing nearly one hundred of them. 

The Convento dell’Incontro, completed in 1717 and originally named La Solitudine dell’Incontro, soon became a true theatrum sanctitatis, a landmark of devotion for Florence and surrounding areas, closely linked to the fame of its founding figure. 

The current structure is the result of a complex restoration and rebuilding campaign, as the original building was heavily damaged during WWII. However, a 19th century painting depicting the miracles of the founder and an early 14th century Madonna and Child were salvaged.

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