Pieve di Santa Maria a Fagna

Immersed in the splendid countryside of Mugello, the Pieve of Santa Maria a Fagna is a Romanesque gem that preserves centuries of history and spirituality. Located just outside the town of Scarperia, this ancient church has been a religious and cultural landmark for the local population for centuries. Its simple architecture and the artworks it houses make it a must-visit destination for those who wish to delve into the history of Mugello. The earliest records of the Pieve of Santa Maria a Fagna date back to the 11th century, although the current building is the result of subsequent reconstructions. The name "Fagna" may derive from the Latin "fagus," meaning beech, a reference to the vegetation that once characterized the area. Alternatively, the toponym could be linked to an ancient medieval designation of the area. Like many parish churches in the area, Santa Maria a Fagna played a central role in the religious and administrative life of the territory. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the main centers for the spread of the Christian faith, overseeing a vast territory, controlling other minor churches, and promoting evangelization. In the 13th century, the parish was involved in conflicts between Florence and local feudal lords. In the 15th century, with the rise of the Medici family, Mugello experienced a period of prosperity, and the parish benefited from restorations and artistic enrichments, becoming one of the most important religious centers in the area. The Pieve of Santa Maria a Fagna features a Romanesque structure, with a three-nave plan and a semicircular apse. The building has undergone several restorations over the centuries but still retains original elements from the medieval period, such as some carved decorations on the capitals and on the stone facade. Inside, visitors can admire a 15th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child, attributed to the Florentine school; a 16th-century wooden crucifix, finely crafted and object of great popular devotion; a serene stone altar, typical of Tuscan sacred architecture, which evokes the simplicity and elegance of the Romanesque style. Due to its location along ancient communication routes, the parish was a welcoming place for pilgrims heading towards Florence or the Apennines. It is said that even some Franciscan friars, possibly followers of St. Francis, found hospitality here during their preaching journeys. One of the most fascinating stories linked to the parish tells of a monk who, in the Middle Ages, lived near the church and who, according to popular tradition, had the gift of predicting the future. Many inhabitants of Mugello would visit him for advice, but one day he disappeared suddenly without a trace, fueling the mystery surrounding his figure. According to an ancient local belief, the water from a spring near the church was blessed and had healing properties, especially for skin diseases. Even today, some locals remember the stories passed down by their grandparents about this mysterious spring.

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