| What makes it historical? |
Though not mentioned in writing until 1590, it’s believed that this petite chapel got its start in the 1100s AD, part of the Hospital of Santa Maria della Scala in Siena! The legend surrounding it is that the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherdess in the area and told her to go shopping! Specifically, she said to go to a shop in Florence and bring back a statue of herself to be placed in the chapel. That statue, designed by Andrea della Robbia, was the center of this chapel until 1779 when a drought led to the statue being moved to the Collegiate Church in San Quirico d’Orcia!
Sadly, this little church was left to neglect after the earthuakes of 1861, but in 1884, it got a full makeover by Siennese architect, Giuseppe Partini, and is today a picturesque spot for picnics and weddings! |
