Chiesa della Madonna di San Biagio
The approach alone earns the visit: a straight avenue of 98 cypress trees, each one planted in memory of a Montepulciano soldier who died in the First World War, leads you down from the hilltop town to a solitary Renaissance church standing in the flat meadow where Val d'Orcia meets Val di Chiana. Nothing else is out here — just travertine and sky.
Inside, beneath a dome that turns a single clap into a long, dissolving echo, the 14th-century fresco that started everything is still embedded in the main altar: a Madonna and Child with Saint Francis, whose eyes, on 23 April 1518, were witnessed to move by two women and a shepherd. The church was built around that moment.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to time it for a quiet weekday morning, when the light through Michelangelo Urbani da Cortona's stained glass shifts slowly across the travertine floor. The free audio guide is genuinely good — worth picking up in the entrance rather than reading panels. And stand directly under the dome before you leave: the acoustic is unlike anything in the hill-town churches up the road.
The story behind Chiesa della Madonna di San Biagio
On 23 April 1518, two women named Antilia and Camilla and a shepherd called Toto reported seeing the eyes of a fresco Madonna move inside a small building on this meadow. The citizens of Montepulciano responded by commissioning a new church from Antonio da Sangallo il Vecchio, with the backing of Pope Leo X — who had his own connection to the town through his tutor Agnolo Poliziano, a Montepulciano native. Sangallo modelled the plan on his brother Giuliano's Santa Maria delle Carceri in Prato: a Greek cross, centrally domed, built from travertine quarried at nearby Sant'Albino.
Sangallo died before the work was finished; construction continued under other superintendents until 1545, though the church had already been consecrated in 1537. The marble dossal framing the miraculous fresco was added in 1584 by Giannozzo and Lisandro di Pietro Albertini; Ottaviano Lazzeri carved the four flanking saints in 1617. The adjacent rectory and the travertine well in the courtyard date to around 1550.
Good to know
The church is about 3 km south of Montepulciano's town centre — a car or taxi makes the most sense, as the walk is pleasant but entirely downhill one way. Entry is €5; children under six and disabled visitors enter free. Open Friday through Monday, 10:00–18:00 (Sunday until 19:00, with a midday break).
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What travellers say about Chiesa della Madonna di San Biagio
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio is absolutely stunning and a must-visit when in Montepulciano! This Renaissance masterpiece is over 500 years old, and standing before it, you can truly feel the weight of that incredible history. The church’s architecture is breathtaking – from its elegant travertine facade to its perfectly proportioned design, it’s a testament to the artistry and devotion of another era. The setting is equally magnificent, sitting gracefully just outside the town with beautiful views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking a moment of peace and reflection, this sanctuary delivers on every level. Don’t miss this gem – it’s one of those places that reminds you why Tuscany is so special. An unforgettable experience!
Beautiful church. Great view and a good restaurant nearby. A must visit. Not to be missed
Stunnig place! Definitely a must stop while in the region. There are aome magnificent views from there as well.
The Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio (Tempio di San Biagio) is a truly charming and peaceful place. We didn’t go inside as there was a €5 entrance fee, but even from the entrance area, the beauty of the structure and its surroundings was clear. The view over the Tuscan hills is absolutely stunning and adds to the special atmosphere of the site. Parking was simple and accessible, making the visit smooth and pleasant. A lovely and worthwhile stop, even for a short visit.
This whole area is so full of beauty. Man and nature working together to make this part of southern Tuscany unique
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