Pitigliano’s churches: a journey through spirituality and architecture
Pitigliano is home to churches that speak to centuries of faith and tradition. Each of these, with its unique architecture and treasures, is a place of spirituality that preserves the memory of past generations.
From the majesty of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul to the small and evocative churches that dot the village, every corner of Pitigliano bears witness to a profound connection between religion and art.
On this journey, we invite you to discover the spiritual heart of the city.
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
In Piazza Gregorio VII, we admire the structure of the Cathedral (the Duomo of Pitigliano) in 18th-century Baroque style, with its adjacent loggia consisting of two rows of cross-vaulted arches.
Of the original church, a Romanesque layout with a single nave dedicated to "Sancti Petri," nothing remains due to the subsequent 16th-century renovation. Today, only the portal with tympanum and columns remains.
During the structural renovation of the church and the current Baroque façade, in 1758, powerful pilasters adorned with stucco and architectural scrolls and two niches with statues of Peter and Paul were added.
Above the two orders of the façade is a Carrara marble bas-relief depicting the Assumption of the Virgin between angels and Saints Roch and Anthony.
Attached to the church is the three-tiered bell tower (35 meters high), a defining feature of Pitigliano.
Inside, the 16th-century baptismal font precedes the valuable canvas by Francesco Vanni (1563-1610), depicting the Madonna of the Rosary.
The presbytery houses two large canvases by the painter Pietro Aldi (1885), dedicated to Ildebrando Aldobrandeschi (Pope Gregory VII): the first depicts the humiliation of Henry IV at Canossa, while the other depicts Ildebrando receiving his divine calling in the workshop of his father Bonizo.
The high altar boasts a spectacular machine, composed of six gilded columns with angels holding a large crown.
Church of San Rocco
The Church of San Rocco is located in the center of the village, past Piazza San Gregorio VII.
Founded in 1066, within the possessions of the Diocese of Sovana, under the title of Santa Maria, it was erected over an ancient pagan temple.
Today, of the original Romanesque building (12th century), we can see an interesting sculpture inserted into the west side: it is a work depicting a male figure, symbolizing the steadfastness and strength to resist the temptation of evil, between two "bestial" figures.
The church is reached by two easy staircases, connected by a fountain with a basin.
The 16th-century façade, with a stained-glass rose window, depicts San Rocco; the interior has a trapezoidal plan with a nave, transept, semicircular apse, presbytery, and the adjacent bell tower.
The roof structure features three naves with travertine columns of various ornamentation.
The apse features paintings of human figures observing the majesty of the Virgin, assumed into heaven amid clouds and angels.
On the tympanum wall, above the apse, are several polychrome coats of arms belonging to successive bishops of the diocese, as well as the coats of arms of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, the House of Savoy, and the community of Pitigliano.
On the exterior wall at the entrance to the bell tower is a 16th-century fresco of the "Madonna del Viandante," removed from its original location and placed inside a shrine outside the town.
Shrine of Our Lady of Grace
The church dedicated to the cult of Mary is venerated by the population as the oldest diocesan sanctuary, likely built before 1400 when the Conventual Franciscans took charge of its care.
In 1580, during the scorching heat of the summer months, an epidemic broke out in Pitigliano, causing a large number of deaths.
The population, deeply affected, turned with renewed devotion to Our Lady of Grace, making a solemn vow at the Sanctuary, located outside the town.
Once the disease was vanquished through the intercession of Our Lady, the first procession was held on July 2, 1581, a rite repeated for two centuries until 1783, when the procession was moved to September 8 for the anniversary of the name of Mary.
From then until today the Sacred Image of the Blessed Virgin has been venerated, preserved in a niche inside the Sanctuary and placed for the faithful to see.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta was built in 1843, commissioned by Grand Duke Leopold II of Tuscany, and consecrated in 1855.
The large entrance portal, featuring a pediment with a triangular frame and corbels, is decorated with a modern glass mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary displaying her Immaculate Heart.
The interior features a single nave with three cross vaults supported by eight pillars; the east wall features sacred images in three multicolored stained-glass windows.
In the apse, a large painting depicts the Assumption, Saint Clare, and another saint; in the small side chapels are two opposing statues of the Madonna, dressed in blue drapery, and a blessing Christ.