Discover the enchanting Chiesa di Santa Maria in Pietrafitta, an 11th-century church nestled in the charming village of Pietrafitta. Marvel at the miraculous image of the Madonna, which has attracted pilgrims for centuries. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Casentino region and experience the unique spiritual atmosphere of this ancient site along the Via di Francesco pilgrimage trail.
The Badiola, officially known as Santa Maria, was established as the church of the village of Pietrafitta in the 11th century. This quaint village was part of the Casentino area, which fell under the rule of the Guidi counts. The noble family significantly contributed to the prosperity of the Badiola by donating lands and goods to the religious community throughout the 12th century.
In the early 13th century, the church became the site of pilgrimage due to the veneration of a miraculous image of the Madonna. The influx of pilgrims led Pope Gregory IX to grant indulgence to visitors in 1228. The community fell under Florentine control in the 14th century, and from the 16th century onwards, the Camaldolese monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Florence directly managed the Badiola.
June 11: Commemoration of the Battle of Campaldino, where the Florentine army camped near the church the night before the battle in 1289
From Pratovecchio, take the SR 70 della Consuma road. Look for a white road that branches off from the SR 70, which will lead you to the ancient Chiesa di Santa Maria in Pietrafitta, also known as Badiola. The church is a short distance from the main road.
