Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Impruneta, Italy Verified listing

Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Impruneta, Italy

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Impruneta sits in Impruneta, a town in the province of Florence. It stands as one of the most important religious sites in the Florentine countryside. The sanctuary holds the highly venerated image of the Madonna dell'Impruneta, which people associate with many miraculous events. The image also links to the protection of the city of Florence. Over time, the Buondelmonti family, along with other prominent families, supported the sanctuary, increasing its influence. Additionally, the Medici and Lorraine grand dukes contributed to embellishing the sanctuary, transforming it into one of the grandest basilicas in the grand duchy.

However, a bombing in 1944 during World War II severely damaged the sanctuary’s interior. Much of the interior became beyond repair. After the war, authorities chose to rebuild the sanctuary in a more restrained neo-Renaissance style, which remains today. Despite the destruction, people saved the sanctuary’s valuable art collections and religious artifacts. Today, the sanctuary houses these items in the adjacent Museum of the Treasure of Santa Maria dell'Impruneta.

The museum showcases these treasures and offers visitors a chance to explore the sanctuary’s rich history. The collections reflect the sanctuary’s cultural and religious importance. Thanks to restoration efforts, the sanctuary still serves as a symbol of faith and heritage. Today, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell'Impruneta continues to stand as a vital place of devotion, representing the history and resilience of the local community.

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