The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassine in Monterotondo Marittimo
A place rich in history, art and spirituality
The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassine is located in Monterotondo Marittimo and is one of the most relevant sacred places in the entire Northern Maremma. Its name derives from an ancient veneration for the “fraxinus excelsior” tree sacred to Nordic peoples that was ritually burned to ward off evil spirits.
The architectural structure of the sanctuary is presented through a large Latin cross, enhanced by three separate altars.
The high altar, adorned with two striking statues made by Domenico Notari of Lugano in 1700, stands as the central focus of devotion. On the right, a 1596 altar is dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption, while on the left, a 1696 altar honors St. Silvestro.
The sanctuary houses a famous wooden statue of the “Virgin and Child”, attributed to a talented artist of the Pisan school of the 14th century, but still unknown today.
This work of sacred art contributes to consolidating the artistic and spiritual richness of the place, making the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Frassine a treasure of history, faith and culture in the picturesque setting of the Maremma.
