San Giovanni Battista Church

Formally named after John the Baptist, this church has also earned the name Church of the Freeway of the Sun for its location between the Autostrada del Sole (Freeway of the Sun) and the A11 Firenze-Mare Highway. The design of the church is meant to reflect both modern and traditional church design. The 'cross' floor plan and stone facing are meant to evoke a traditional feel while the tent-like vertical elements and copper roofing reflect modern design tastes. The church stands 27,5 metres high. The materials used are stone and concrete for the walls and copper for the roof, oxidized to green on the outside and burnished blond on the inside. Marble, glass and bronze are used for the interior elements. The building's floor plan is asymmetrical and follows sinuous curves, creating a feeling of fluid space. One of the intentions to build the church was to honor the workers who had died during construction of the freeway.