Sanctuary of la Verna
Sanctuary of la Verna in Tuscany is along the national road which rises from Casentino or from the Tiber Valley.
You have come to this Franciscan Sanctuary along the national road which rises from Casentino or from the Tiber Valley. As you fo1lowed a section on foot in the shadow of the gigantic beech-trees, you will have come across a monument depicting Saint Francis asking a young boy to free the turtle-doves which he was taking to market. Then you will have caught sight of a small collection of robust stone buildings. The paved road which skirts these buildings leads to a wide open space called the "Quadrante". Setting out from this point it is possible to reach all the places which can be visited. This Guide proposes a complete tour by way of the Ancient Entrance.
If from the piazzale you descend eastward you will arrive at the place of the ancient entrance. The paved road which leads from the valley to the friary becomes less steep under the great flattened archway. Facing the gateway, to your left, above a long wooden seat which was the first resting-place of the wayfarers, a stone records the ancient measurements in miles of the nearest centres. On the cornice of the gateway is written in both Latin and Italian: Non est in toto sanctior orbe mons – There is in the whole world no mountain more holy. A message which justifies and rewards the strenuous effort of the climb up on foot, at the same time suggesting an attitude of respect and attentiveness.
A little further outside, on the left wall, a verse from Dante Alighieri: Nel crudo sasso intra Tevero e Arno da Cristo prese I’ultimo sigillo, che le sue membra du’anni portarno. "On the bare rough rock between the Tiber and the Arno he received from Christ the ultimate seal which his members were to bear for two years". (Paradiso XI, 106-108) These are the historical and geographical parameters of La Verna: we are between the valley of the Tiber which rises on Mount Fumaiolo 1,407 metres / 4,61 6 feet) and the valley of the Arno which has its source on Mount Falterona ( 1,654 metres / 5,427 feet). Tuo years before his death, on this mountain of gigantic rocks, Francis was signed with the wounds of the passion of Jesus Christ (l224).
An asymmetrical portico with a slate-covered roof covers the access to the ancient guest-house, to the cloisters, and the Little Church (Chiesina) of Saint Mary of the Angels. We are in the area of the first presence of the fri- ars: in this little valley Count Orlando Catani had the first brush and wooden huts made for them which, later replaced by the small friary in brick, became the nucleus of the original habitation. Numerous coats-of-arms bear witness to the families and associations which during the course of the centuries have been benefactors of La Verna. The doorway to the left, over which there is a basrelief representing Francis receiving the Stigmata, gives entry to the Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels. At the side of the door is the coat-of-arms of the noble family of the Catani, the lords of Chiusi. Francis himself wanted this Chapel to be built, and after our Lady appeared to him in a vision he himself indicated its site and its measurements.
The Basilica, from its campanile or bell-tower to the start of the Corridor of the Stigmata, is surrounded by a portico of nine arches (15th and l 6th Centuries). In the right-hand wall is a niche, the work of V. Rosignoli, with the Crucified embracing St. Francis, copy in bronze of a painting by the Spanish painter Murillo. It was given to La Verna in l 888 by Pope Leo XIII, who had received it from the Franciscan tertiaries of France. It bears the marks caused by bomb-splinters from the bombardments suffered by La Verna in 1944.
The square-shaped campanile is fairly squat: it is no higher than 24 metres (79 feet). It was built in the years 1486 – 1490. It has a nice double peal of bells which on feast-days fills the Piazzale and the valleys below with joyous sound. The church, dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, has since 1921 the title of a minor basilica. It was begun in 1348 thanks to the offerings of Count Tarlato of Pietramala and his wife Joan of S. Fiora. The friars succeeded in finishing it only in l509 with the contribution of the Arte della Lana of Florence. For almost two centuries all work had been suspended for lack of funds. Built in the shape of a Latin cross with fairly reduced lateral arms, it contains important monuments and masterpieces of art. Much of the material used in the construction of the church and campanile came from the ruins of the Chiusi castle, abandoned at the end of the l5th century.
The interior, with a single nave in the primitive tradition of Franciscan architecture, is divided by four spans with cross vaults. The second of these is decorated with the Arms of the Arte della Lana, the work of Benedetto Buglioni (1459 - 1521 The tondo of a garland of fruit and leafy branches surrounds the Paschal Lamb slain and alive which grips the banner with the cross. The symbol of Christ crucified and risen, it was chosen as being the arms of the Florentine corporation most deserving in relation to Mount La Verna. It was placed on the vault around 1495.
Chiusi della Verna: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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32 km from Chiusi della Verna
Villa Valdarno 12 beds
Villa Valdarno is a typical Tuscan farmhouse located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of the Florentine Valdarno.
Availability request
The ideal solution for groups of friends or acquaintances who wish to spend their holidays in Tuscany with the comforts of a detached villa with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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47 km from Chiusi della Verna
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- Cortona (Arezzo)
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50 km from Chiusi della Verna
Rocca di Pierle
Set within the green hills of Tuscany, a few kilometers away from the old Etruscan town of Cortona farmhouse Rocca di Pierle is the perfect place to find peace and tranquility in contact with the pace of nature.
Booking ONLINE
Completely renovated Tuscan farmhouse with 3 rustic-style apartments. For groups possibilities to rent the whole villa. -
- Firenze (Florence)
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58 km from Chiusi della Verna
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- Montepulciano (Siena)
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65 km from Chiusi della Verna
Agriturismo le Caggiole
Immersed in the verdant countryside around the noble town of Montepulciano, that boasts ancient Etruscan origins, Le Caggiole Estate is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized treasures.
Booking ONLINE
In a relaxing and cosy atmosphere uests are offered three comfortable, quiet double rooms with private bathrooms and two comfortable apartments for two persons and for small family groups. -
- Siena (Siena)
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66 km from Chiusi della Verna
Agriturismo Marciano
Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown. Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Availability request
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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74 km from Chiusi della Verna
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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77 km from Chiusi della Verna
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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78 km from Chiusi della Verna
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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78 km from Chiusi della Verna
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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113 km from Chiusi della Verna
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
Historic villa 14 km from the center of Lucca immersed in the green of the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, it has a private swimming pool and a large park.
Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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130 km from Chiusi della Verna
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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131 km from Chiusi della Verna
Charming villa Tuscany coast 14 beds pool
Eighteenth-century villa located in a picturesque area of the Tuscan hills at the foot of the Apuan Alps, the villa has a park with swimming pool and tennis court.
Availability request
The spacious suites of the villa embellished with charming details and enhanced by modern comforts will make your stay an unforgettable experience. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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132 km from Chiusi della Verna
Villa Camaiore Hills 10 beds pool
Villa located 3 km from the center of Camaiore in a quiet and sunny position 10 km from Tuscan sea.
Availability request
Ideal for those looking for a villa accommodation on the hills of Versilia a few miles from Tuscan sea. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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132 km from Chiusi della Verna
Villa Pieve di Camaiore 8 beds pool
Luxury and charming villa with swimming pool for rent surrounded by the green hills of Camaiore not far from the sea of the Tuscan coast.
Availability request
The villa is ideal for those looking for an oasis of absolute peace and relaxation guaranteed by the elevated position and the external fence in style.
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