Sanctuary of San Martino in Petraija
A place of faith and devotion
The Sanctuary of San Martino in Petraija, within the town of Casciana Terme, dates back to the 16ᵗʰ century and houses precious works of art, including a majestic ceiling fresco depicting the Victory of Constantine Over Maxentius by painter Anton Luigi Gajoni.
On the high altar rises up the wooden Holy Crucifix, the work of an unknown author identified only by the initials S.L.
This crucifix has been at the heart of Casciana Terme’s devotion since August 14, 1846, when a violent earthquake struck much of the Pisan Hills, miraculously sparing Bagni di Casciana, today’s Casciana Terme.
The Holy Crucifix is also symbolic of the patronal festival celebrated on May 3. On the evening of May 2, the town’s four districts parade through the streets of the town to the shrine, where there is a blessing of each district’s standard and the players who participate in various traditional games.
