Santa Maria in Canonica, Catholic church in Colle di Val d'Elsa, Italy

Santa Maria in Canonica is a single-nave church in Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tuscany, built from local stones including travertine and sandstone in alternating colors. The front facade faces east with a gabled roof and features a sandstone archway entrance below and a wheel-shaped window above.

First documented in 1183 when the Pope confirmed the church to a nearby abbey's abbot, its origins likely date earlier. The bell tower was built in the 13th century and converted around 1225, while the interior was consecrated in 1603 and underwent major restorations in the 20th century to remove Baroque additions and preserve its original character.

The church was Colle di Val d'Elsa's civic oratory in the 15th century, when the Martinella bell, cast in 1351 and seized by the Sienese in battle, was placed there. Its patronal feast of Santa Maria was already celebrated in September by 1333, when the municipality funded a public offering of wax.

The church is easily accessible from the main street in a quiet area of the historic center near the castle, and entrance is free. Visitors can walk on cobblestone paths to reach it and explore the stone walls and simple interior at their own pace without restrictive timing.

The renowned artist and architect Arnolfo di Cambio, born around 1245, likely came from a tower-house near the church now called the Tower of Arnolfo. This nearby birthplace of an Italian medieval master connects the modest church to the story of Italian art history.