Vitaleta Chapel
The chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta has a discreet fascination about it which has never been eroded by time passing by. It stands alone, a few cypresses keeping guard nearby, they too discreet in manner and role. A maritime pine standing nearby completes a scene as perfect as any painting could be. All around fields and hills extend as far as the eye can see. The construction itself probably dates back to the late renaissance period and once was home to a Madonna sculpture thought to be the work of Andrea della Robbia, a master Florentine artisan who lived in the 14th and 15th century. The Madonna is today to be found in the church of Madonna in the historical centre of San Quirico d'Orcia.
The church, ogiatrimonio of Unesco, is a single space, and the main stone exterior is in Rapolano stone in which there is a rose feature of amazing beauty. Peace is very much at home here and there is almost a mystical sense all around, only the occasional breeze disturbing the silence, a silence which penetrates one’s heart and leads to untold reflection. To approach the church on foot is part of the pleasure of the experience to be had.
Bagno Vignoni – Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, 14 km
