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Santa Chiara Study Center Castiglion Fiorentino

Casa
Italia
Castiglion Fiorentino
Santa Chiara Study Center Castiglion Fiorentino

Providing a unique learning environment dedicated to academics and culture

08/06/2026

We always enjoy hearing from our ex-students and after many contacts we realize that many of you are unaware of the closure of Santa Chiara. Following the severe earthquakes in Central Italy in 2016, the city was required to evaluate the stability of all their buildings. Everyone expected there would be some problems with Santa Chiara, but the result proved to be more severe than expected. The work that would be necessary to resolve the issues is quite expensive (millions of euros) so in June 2018 we were forced to close the doors to Santa Chiara. During the following years with the help of our local friends and businesses we tried various solutions to continue the program. We housed activities in town while pursuing permanent funding. The spring of 2022 our TAMU programs decided to explore opportunities in Florence where collaborations with the University of Florence could be developed. There is some limited work being done in the building by the city and currently we don't have access to the building. If you are in town anyway, let us know and perhaps we can meet for a coffee.

01/06/2026

A recent donation was made for restoration of the Lunettes in the cloister of the Church of San Francesco in Castiglion Fiorentino.

27/05/2026

Here is a recent update on proposed scholarship with Texas A&M University that was approved for TAMU study abroad students:

Hi _______
I hope you are well and this email makes it to you.

As you may have heard, Maestro Alberto Bruni recently passed away in Castiglion Fiorentino. Thankfully I was able to visit him at his house/museum/studio two years ago with my daughter.

The Department of Architecture, Sharon and I have established the Department of Architecture Alberto Bruni Memorial Award. The award will be presented to a Department of Architecture student who will be studying in Italy 2027-2028. We would like the award to be given at least once depending on funding. The award will consist of a book presented with a check. We are hoping to award a $500 check to support the student's attendance in a sculpture or painting workshop in Italy (minimum 3 hours). This type of workshop will honor Bruni's interests. There are many good introductory workshops in Florence and throughout Italy that offer introductory courses from 3 hours up, and at a cost of $300 and up. The student would be required to document this experience so that the department may publicize this study away experience. In addition, if the student wishes, Sharon has also volunteered to host the individual in Castiglion Fiorentino for lunch and a visit to Bruni's studio/house museum with the Bruni family.

We would appreciate any help you might be able to give. Information for donations is below. Also please post this information on your facebook or other social media pages so former students are aware. I have attached a picture of Maestro Bruni.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Many thanks and all the best,

Julie

Dr. Julie Rogers
Department of Architecture (retired)
16641 Riva Ridge Road
College Station, Texas. 77845
Tel: 979.574.1657

Checks should be payable to the Texas A&M Foundation. Please note the following account name and number on your check - 02-514617-00000 - Dept of Architecture Alberto Bruni Memorial Award - and mail to
Melinda Randle
Texas A&M University
Department of Architecture
789 Ross Street
College Station, TX 77843 - 3137

Donors may also use the online form below. Please state in the notes section that the gift is for the Dept of Architecture Alberto Bruni Memorial Award - account number 02-514617-00000

03/05/2026

The funeral for Maestro Bruni was at the Cappuccin Church in Castiglion Fiorentino.

01/05/2026

May 1, 2026 Maestro Bruni passed away. Many Santa Chiara students share fond memories of time with him in the Stone Carving classes.

Indirizzo

Via San Giuliano 6
Castiglion Fiorentino

Telefono

+390575657470

Sito Web

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