If you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are looking for things to see and do in the area, you might consider heading to the Sanctuary of La Verna. This Franciscan monastery is located on Mount Penna, perched above Chiusi della Verna in the province of Arezzo.
One of the places where St. Francis is venerated, it is an important and beautiful artistic, cultural, historical and spiritual centres. Visitors flock to the site each year for its many charms and as St. Francis is one of the most adored saints in the world.
The mountain was actually donated to St. Francis in 1213 by Count Orlando Cattani of Chiusi of La Verna, who described it as the ideal place for contemplation of the bounty of God's earth, saying, “I have in Tuscany a faithful mount that is named Mount of La Vernia, which is really isolated and wild and perfect for those who want to do penance in a remote place or to those who want to live in solitude.”
One of the places where St. Francis is venerated, it is an important and beautiful artistic, cultural, historical and spiritual centres. Visitors flock to the site each year for its many charms and as St. Francis is one of the most adored saints in the world.
The mountain was actually donated to St. Francis in 1213 by Count Orlando Cattani of Chiusi of La Verna, who described it as the ideal place for contemplation of the bounty of God's earth, saying, “I have in Tuscany a faithful mount that is named Mount of La Vernia, which is really isolated and wild and perfect for those who want to do penance in a remote place or to those who want to live in solitude.”
A hermitage was then founded on the site and became a beloved and hallowed place for Francis and his followers. In 1224, he paid it a visit and, while praying, he had a vision and received the stigmata, which he carried until his death two years later.
Visiting today, you can explore the basilica, the cloisters, the small church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Quadrante (a large paved square where you access all of the main areas of the sanctuary) and take in the view over the Casentino valley. Inside the basilica, you can see several terracotta sculptures by Andrea della Robbia and his workshop, a relics chapel with a crystal reliquary containing several objects belonging to St. Francis, a bronze reliquary with the Saint's blood and two incredible ancient organs.
To the left of the Basilica is the Cappella della Pietà, with a painted glazed terracotta table depicting the Pity by Santi Buglioni and close by is the Corridor of the Stigmata, which leads to where Francis got his stigmata.
Visiting today, you can explore the basilica, the cloisters, the small church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Quadrante (a large paved square where you access all of the main areas of the sanctuary) and take in the view over the Casentino valley. Inside the basilica, you can see several terracotta sculptures by Andrea della Robbia and his workshop, a relics chapel with a crystal reliquary containing several objects belonging to St. Francis, a bronze reliquary with the Saint's blood and two incredible ancient organs.
To the left of the Basilica is the Cappella della Pietà, with a painted glazed terracotta table depicting the Pity by Santi Buglioni and close by is the Corridor of the Stigmata, which leads to where Francis got his stigmata.
It is frescoed with episodes from the life of St. Francis, 18 made by Baccio Maria Bacci between 1929 and 1962 and three from 1840 by Luigi and Giovanni Ademollo, all of which replaced earlier, damaged works. The Chapel of the Stigmata, meanwhile, lies over the exact place where St. Francis received the Stigmata, with a tablet on the floor, indicating the exact point where it took place.
There are other amazing works of art and spots throughout the complex but the setting and surroundings should not be ignored either. Within a half hour, you can hike from the building to the summit of the Mount Penna and there are other routes to try as well. The Forest Monumental de La Verna has been preserved by the Franciscan Friars and boasts trees up to 50 metres, deer, boars, wolves and plenty of bird species, making it a stunning place to explore.
A truly extraordinary place, it is a must-see for those visiting this part of Tuscany, especially if you love the outdoors or have a special devotion to the saint in question.
There are other amazing works of art and spots throughout the complex but the setting and surroundings should not be ignored either. Within a half hour, you can hike from the building to the summit of the Mount Penna and there are other routes to try as well. The Forest Monumental de La Verna has been preserved by the Franciscan Friars and boasts trees up to 50 metres, deer, boars, wolves and plenty of bird species, making it a stunning place to explore.
A truly extraordinary place, it is a must-see for those visiting this part of Tuscany, especially if you love the outdoors or have a special devotion to the saint in question.
Photo credits
picture 2: Geobia / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Biggs / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 2: Geobia / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Biggs / CC BY-SA 3.0
