5 places of faith surrounded by nature near Florence

Around Florence there are a large number of monasteries, oratories and convents. Situated in the thick of forests, on hilltops or mountains, they are places full of charm that, even today, are pilgrimage destinations or simple journeys motivated by curiosity or a passion for history, art, religion and popular culture. Here we present 5 places of faith immersed in nature near Florence that we highly recommend you visit. You will find architectural, artistic and landscape testimonies of great interest and beauty.

The Oratory of St Catherine of the Wheels

At Ponte a Ema, in the countryside that surrounds and characterises the territory of Bagno a Ripoli, is the Oratory of Santa Caterina delle Ruote. It was built in the second half of the 14th century by Jacopo and Giovanni, sons of Alberto degli Alberti. The building, which has well preserved its Gothic structure, presents a simple and geometric architecture. However, it conceals a magnificent cycle of frescoes inside, narrating the Stories of St Catherine of Alexandria (known as the Stories of the Wheels in memory of the martyrdom she suffered in the 4th century), patroness of judges and notaries, venerated throughout the Middle Ages for her wisdom. The remarkable pictorial intervention was begun by the Master of Barberino and Pietro Nelli and completed by Spinello Aretino.

The Sanctuary Madonna delle Grazie at Sasso

A place of worship and pilgrimage, the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie al Sasso rises 565 metres above sea level in one of the most beautiful areas of Pontassieve. It was erected in the second half of the 15th century on the site of a medieval oratory after the Holy Virgin appeared to two shepherdesses and cured their sick father. The stone on which Mary is said to have placed her feet is preserved under the high altar. The building houses numerous works of art and sacred furnishings. Thousands of pilgrims arrive here every year from all over, especially on 2 July, when the Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin is held. Many trekking and hiking trails also start from the sanctuary.

The Convent of Montesenario

In the municipality of Vaglia, in an enchanting panoramic position overlooking the Apennines and the Sieve valley, is the Convent of Montesenario. According to tradition, it was founded on 8 September 1233 by seven Florentine nobles, who withdrew to this place to live a hermit’s life, taking the name of Servants of Mary. Its current appearance is the result of substantial subsequent interventions. Inside the church you can admire valuable works of art, including an Adoration of the Magi by Cigoli and a magnificent wooden choir from 1707, carved in elegant Baroque style. You can also visit two caves that were the first dwellings of the seven founding fathers.

The citadel of Loppiano

Loppiano is the first international citadel of the Focolare Movement (officially the Work of Mary, an international movement of spiritual and social renewal that aims to contribute to the unity of the human family according to the Gospel mandate ‘That all may be one’). It stands on a vast piece of hillside land in the municipality of Figline and Incisa Valdarno. The little town was founded by Chiara Lubich in 1964 with the intention of putting the ideals of the movement into practice. Almost a thousand people of all ages, ethnicities and cultures live in this small town, either permanently or for a few months. Work activities, meetings, school life and training (religious but not only) take place there.

The Abbey of Vallombrosa

And last but not least, the imposing Benedictine abbey of Vallombrosa, located in the village of the same name in the municipality of Reggello, at the foot of Pratomagno. It dates back to the 11th century but its present form is substantially that of the 17th – early 18th century. It was here that the Vallombrosian Order was born, based on the famous Benedictine rule ‘ora et labora’ (from the Latin pray and work). Numerous precious works of art are kept here, including an important painting by Lorenzo Lippi, a panel by Raffaello dei Carli and some frescoes by Fabbrini. Around the abbey, nature reigns supreme. The forest that surrounds it has been cared for over the centuries by the monks and features fine specimens.

Photo gallery Oratory of St Catherine of the Wheels © Vignaccia76 | Sanctuary Madonna delle Grazie at Sasso © Comune di Pontassieve | Abbey of Vallombrosa © Canva