One of Giotto's masterpieces

Previously stored at the Museo Diocesano di Santo Stefano a Ponte, where its restoration had been ongoing for 25 years, Giotto’s Madonna di San Giorgio alla Costa, is now being displayed in the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. The work of art in tempera and gold on wood, created by the incredible Florentine painter – which has now been restored in all its beauty – hides a dark past, intertwined with violent Italian history.What some people don’t know is that the Madonna was damaged in the terrorist attack in via dei Georgofili on 27th may 1993. The painting was taken in by experts at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure – the world’s leading restoration centre – and reconditioned to its current state. Yet if you pay attention to details, you can still notice a small crack in the paint on the angel on the left’s clothing - caused by a splinter in the attack, it acts as a constant reminder of the unfortunate incident.