To go out of the world to meet the divine. This must have been the inspiring principle of the ancients who founded and inhabited the monasteries, oratories and convents found in so many places in the Florentine Area.
Even today far from population centers, in the past they were almost inaccessible; in the thick of forests, on the tops of hills or mountains, almost as if to put distance, to keep the ‘crazy crowd’ away from those who had chosen to get closer to the essence of things.
With rare exceptions these are still places of faith, and the 5 examples we suggest in this “idea” are now the home of religious communities, meeting places or retreats.
In any case, whether you are religious or not, it is worth visiting them to be confronted with architectural, artistic and landscape testimonies of great beauty and perfectly integrated into the environment.
Contents
1.
Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso
2.
Abbey of Vallombrosa
3.
Oratory of Santa Caterina delle Ruote (Saint Catherine of the Wheels)
4.
The citadel of Loppiano
5.
The Convent of Montesenario
1.
Sanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso
The MarianSanctuary of the Madonna del Sasso (Our Lady of the Rock) is located at an altitude of 565 meters, overlooking the valley of Borro delle Sieci (in the area of the municipality of Pontassieve).
Surrounded by forests, it has been a place of worship and pilgrimage since it was just a tabernacle called the Hermit’s. The church complex dates back to the 15th century, after the place witnessed an apparition of Our Lady to two little girls on July 2, 1490.
Madonna del Sasso is also a landmark for the many hiking and walking enthusiasts, being literally at the center of the Santa Brigida Protected Natural Area.
In the thick of a forest chosen as a hermitage site by St. John Gualbert, founder of the Vallombrosian Order, the Abbey of Vallombrosa dates back to the 11th century.
We are located in the territory of Reggello, at the foot of Pratomagno; the mighty abbey has grown over the centuries from a modest wooden oratory to its present appearance; it is also adorned with numerous valuable works of art. The community of monks who live there follow the Benedictine rule.
The surrounding forest has been cared for over the centuries by monks and features specimens of great value, including the two tallest trees in Italy.
1.
Oratory of Santa Caterina delle Ruote (Saint Catherine of the Wheels)
St. Catherine’s Oratory - Credit: Comune di Firenze
In the countryside that surrounds and characterizes the territory of Bagno a Ripoli, quite unexpectedly the simple little church of Saint Catherine in Rimezzano appears at some point. The dim appearance of the facade does not presage the vivid and precious decorations of the interior, all dedicated to the life of the Saint and frescoed by Spinello Aretino in the 14th century.
The oratory was commissioned by the Alberti family; it cannot be visited except during exhibitions or events, but a walk through the surrounding countryside is always worthwhile.
1.
The citadel of Loppiano
Loppiano - Credit: Comune di Firenze
A vast piece of hillside land in the municipality of Figline Incisa Valdarno sees the presence of the citadel of Loppiano, founded by Chiara Lubich for the Focolare Movement.
In this small town, with permanent residents and people who spend only a period there, work activities, meetings, school life and formation (religious but not only) take place. People from all over the world are found there, and it is a world to be discovered by those interested in community life, in a typically Tuscan naturalistic setting.
1.
The Convent of Montesenario
Montesenario Avenue - Credit: @Comune di Firenze
High on a mountain, overlooking the Mugello valley here is the last place of faith in this brief excursus: the Convent of Montesenario.
Of medieval foundation, according to legend it was chosen by 7 noblemen (the seven saints) who withdrew from the city and came here for a life of contemplation and faith. They are the founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary.
The convent, which entered under the patronage of the Medici family, was enlarged and enriched with works of art. A lush forest surrounds it, where one can go for walks, forest therapy and where Florentines come in summer to escape the heat.
The convent of Montesenario is located in Bivigliano in the municipality of Vaglia and is a stop on the via degli Dei and also on the Renaissance Ring.
