Santa Maria alla Sambuca, 13th-century hermitage ruins in Collesalvetti, Italy
Santa Maria alla Sambuca is a 13th-century hermitage located at 175 meters above sea level in a valley carved by the Ugione stream, surrounded by mountains and forests. The church section features original stone construction with a single nave and semicircular apse, and contains fragments of frescoes from the 14th century.
The hermitage dates to the 13th century and came under the control of the Jesuati religious order in the 14th century, remaining in their hands until the order's suppression in 1668. After this date, the site gradually lost its religious function and fell into decline.
The church contains fragments of 14th-century frescoes within its single nave structure, which features a semicircular apse characteristic of medieval architecture.
The site is located within a forested area accessible on foot, and sturdy footwear is recommended due to uneven terrain and vegetation. Only the partially restored church section is easily reached, while other ruins require careful navigation through the surrounding landscape.
A petrified forest dating back roughly 10 million years was discovered near the site in 2010, adding geological interest to the location. This discovery connects the spiritual history of the hermitage with ancient natural history of the region.
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