Messere Arlotto Mainardi, Pievano di S. Cresci a Maciuoli

A witty, self‑aware voice greets listeners, introducing a Florentine priest born in 1396 who spent his life tending the modest parish of San Cresci at Maciuoli. He paints a vivid picture of his world—cobblestone streets, bustling markets, and a humble church he lovingly expanded with stone columns and fresh white walls. Through his own eyes we glimpse the blend of merriment, melancholy, and devout reverence that shaped his days.

The narration quickly turns to lively anecdotes: a mischievous night with spirited townsfolk, a run‑in with the archbishop that lands him in prison, and the simple moral maxims that guide his actions. His humor is sharp, his reflections on “do unto others” both earnest and gently ironic. Listeners will enjoy his candid storytelling, his affection for the poor and sick, and the colorful portrait of a man who balances clerical duty with a love for playful banter.