Maria Santissima Madre della Divina Provvidenza, Renaissance Catholic shrine in Pancole, Italy
Maria Santissima Madre della Divina Provvidenza is a shrine near San Gimignano set in a restored structure featuring Renaissance architectural elements and religious artworks. The sanctuary houses a notable Renaissance fresco of the Virgin Mary and stands as a waypoint for pilgrims traveling the Via Francigena route through the region.
The shrine was founded in 1668 following a reported vision seen by a local shepherd girl during a period of famine affecting the region. This spiritual encounter prompted the community to establish the sanctuary as a site of prayer and devotion.
The interior displays hundreds of hand-painted wooden tablets, known as ex-votos, created by visitors who left them as personal offerings and expressions of thanks. These small devotional plaques represent a living tradition of pilgrims seeking blessings or giving thanks for prayers answered.
The sanctuary sits along the Via Francigena route a few kilometers from San Gimignano and welcomes visitors throughout the day. The location makes it a convenient stopping point for pilgrims and walkers passing through the area.
During World War II, German explosives destroyed much of the building, yet the altar wall holding the sacred fresco survived intact. This partial destruction and subsequent reconstruction remain visible in the sanctuary's structure and character today.
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