Oratorio della Madonna del Vivaio

The Oratory of Madonna del Vivaio in Scarperia, first documented by Giuseppe Maria Brocchi in his "Description of the Mugello Province" in 1747, has a fascinating history dating back to the 18th century. It was built between 1724 and 1741 based on a design by the architect Alessandro Galilei, the only one of its kind in Tuscany for a place of worship. The building is located just outside the village of Scarperia, along the road leading to Sant'Agata, on a piece of land that once housed two springs feeding a fishpond, hence the name of the oratory. The site was already known for a tabernacle of the Madonna and Child, venerated for its alleged miracles, including the ability to "open and close the eyes" and heal fever patients. The construction of the oratory was prompted by the parish priest Domenico Romagnoli, who, after the miracle of 1723, began raising funds for the building, eventually obtaining a subsidy from the Vicar to start the works. The foundation stone was laid on August 7, 1724, and the building was completed in 1741, with a solemn blessing taking place on August 14 of the same year. Unfortunately, the oratory has experienced periods of decay and renovations, partly due to the fragility of the ground it stands on. Nevertheless, its architectural appearance makes it a landmark in the landscape, with its cylindrical structure topped by a lantern. Inside, the oratory stands out for its circular plan and dome that allows natural light to illuminate the celebrant. The perimeter is marked by eight pillars supporting the structure, with a biblical quotation (Book of Judith) inscribed on the entablature. In the main chapel, above the altar, the image of Madonna del Vivaio is displayed, a representation of the Virgin and Child, dating back probably to the 14th-15th century. The fresco has sparked debates among historians, some of whom attribute the work to Cimabue. On the side walls of the main chapel, there are two marble plaques commemorating the fallen of World War I. One plaque bears a quote from the Book of Judith, while the other is dedicated to the soldiers' sacrifice through Leopardi's hymn "To Italy," an expression of the lyrical patriotism of the time. Overall, the oratory stands as a place of worship rich in history and significance, with the image of Madonna del Vivaio, placed high above the altar, enclosed in a marble aedicule decorated with pilasters and a triangular pediment. The image of the Virgin, an object of popular devotion and miraculous events, represents the spiritual heart of this building, which continues to thrive despite the challenges. According to popular tradition, during the night of St. John, the young people of Scarperia would wash their eyes with water from the nearby spring, in order to dream of their future spouse's face. Today, the oratory is undergoing a new phase of restoration aimed at consolidating both the structure and the surrounding land, in order to preserve this important historical and religious heritage for future generations.

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