Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie
On a hairpin bend along the Strada Statale 74, just outside Pitigliano's tufa-rock ridge, a church with a spired bell tower and a single rose window sits facing open valley. It's the kind of building that stops you mid-drive — not for grandeur, but for its quiet insistence on being exactly where it is, with the whole of the Maremma spread out below.
Inside the single nave, a fresco of the enthroned Madonna with Child — painted by an unknown hand in the fourteenth century — holds the wall with the stillness of something long venerated. The space is spare, which makes the fresco land harder.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who've made the detour more than once tend to time it for a weekday late afternoon, when the doors are open and the light through the rose window is at its most direct. The valley view from the hairpin just outside is worth the stop on its own, even if you arrive to find the church closed.
The story behind Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie
The church dates to 1400, built as a modest country chapel on the tufa terrain that defines this corner of Tuscany. Over the following centuries it expanded as Franciscan Conventual friars took up residence, turning the site into a small monastic community with a convent on the right flank of the building.
The friars remained until the late 1700s, and the convent was formally suppressed in 1873 — part of the broader dissolution of religious houses across unified Italy. The building was restored in 1962, and a parish was formally established here on 5 August 1951, giving the old pilgrimage church a new administrative life within the local diocese.
Good to know
The church sits outside the town walls along the SS74 — walkable from Pitigliano's centro but easier by car. Entry is free. Weekday afternoons (4:30–7:00 pm) offer the most reliable access; Saturday morning mass runs at 10:00 am. Verify hours before making it the centrepiece of your day.
Where is Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie?
More tickets & tours for Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie
Book directly at the provider
What travellers say about Chiesa della Madonna delle Grazie
Great stop to take a scenic photo of Pitigliano. It’s just a viewpoint / car stop for photos with a wine shop. I recommend going down by photo on the road after the curve and take a photo further down as it’s closer angle (photo)
Probably the most spectacular spot in the valley, easily reachable from the main road. On the same location there’s a lovely wine shop inside a small niche with local wines and typical product. The owner Cesare is really friendly...we had a glass of res wine together!
Nice place... It's a @villavistalago suggestion. Follow @villavistalago on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
Very peaceful country side ..people are quiet gentle and helpful..
Stunning city.
More of Pitigliano
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Pitigliano →More attractions in Pitigliano
All of Pitigliano →
Background adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · ratings & place photos via Google · other photos with per-image credit. Ticket links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.