Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie in Chiusdino

The origins of the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Graces) are linked to historical facts and folk traditions. What is certain is that the earliest evidence of an oratory intended for the devotion of Marian worship dates back to the 1400s, it also being known that its present appearance is due to restoration works that took place in the late 1500s and early 1600s.

Legend has it that the Sanctuary arose at the site where Our Lady appeared to a little girl who came to Chiusdino from a nearby farm to ask for alms. After sharing a meager meal with the mysterious lady, the child returned home, where she found the pantry filled with food.
The first chapel was built on the site of the apparition, named “Santa Maria del Bosco” (“Saint Mary of the Woods”), cited in the 1473 statutes of the Community of Chiusdino. This first nucleus of the oratory was severely damaged during the War of Sienna in 1555. A few years later, between 1564 and 1615, the Chiusdino community pushed for its restoration and complete reconstruction.

Tradition has it that a second extraordinary event occurred during the restoration works on the building. It is said that the builders heard a voice exclaim, “Stop, it is Mary!” then an image of the Madonna and Child appeared on the plaster, bloodied from the hammer blows they had received. This marvel would find indirect confirmation in a document from 1625, in which the bishop of Volterra describes the image as ittibus mallei percussa et lacera, or “struck and wrecked by hammer blows.”
Following this extraordinary event, a new Sanctuary was built, completed in 1615 under the guidance of local Master Builder Ansano Guiducci and thanks to the support of the noble Fracassi family.

The façade is presented according to the canons of Roman Mannerism and is articulated in two superimposed orders. In the lower part, the large entrance door is offset by four pilasters, two on each side. Above the cornice, the upper order is purely decorative and sees the extension of the pilasters below, which rise in the central part to support the pediment. In the center of the upper structure, a plaque was placed in 1897 that reads: “For us pray, O immense source/Of those graces which God dispenses.”

The miraculous image found during restoration works—believed to be an acheiropoieta or not made by human hands—was placed on the altar, inside a small imitation window, which in the 18ᵗʰ century was replaced by a new altar in white stucco decorated with gold. In 1960, due to its deterioration, the miraculous image was replaced by a new depiction on marble using the graffito technique.

The deep devotion to Our Lady is evidenced by the votive offerings that fill the presbytery, some of which are now on display in the Civic and Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in Chiusdino.

On September 3 each year, the faithful celebrate the feast dedicated to Madonna delle Grazie (Our Lady of Grace).