Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio

Santa Maria delle Grazie al Calcinaio is a Renaissance church in Cortona featuring a symmetrical facade with clean lines, stone detailing, and a central dome above the crossing. Its interior contains several chapels and notable religious artworks from different periods, with particular focus on paintings of Mary and saints.

Construction started in 1485 following reports of miraculous occurrences connected to a painted image of Mary and Child found on a tannery wall in 1484. These events prompted the city to build a larger sanctuary at that location to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims.

The church held special meaning for Cortona's merchant and craft guilds, who commissioned artworks showing their professions and patron saints. This made it a spiritual center where the city's working people came to honor both their faith and their trades.

The church is regularly open for worship and guided visits, allowing visitors to explore the main sanctuary and surrounding chapels. Check opening hours in advance and enter respectfully, particularly if religious services are taking place when you visit.

Architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini cleverly positioned this church directly against a steep hillside and incorporated a natural stream into the foundation design. This engineering solution demonstrates how Renaissance builders adapted to challenging terrain rather than leveling it away.