Santa Maria del Sasso is placed near Bibbiena. It is a fixed point in the faith of the inhabitants of Bibbiena, but also for many inhabitants of the Casentino, by tradition a Tuscan valley very devoted to the Madonna.
Actually this Marian Sanctuary, example of the Renaissance architecture in the Casentino, was built after the apparition of the Virgo above a great rock (happened) in 1347. From here the name “Madonna del Sasso” (= ‘Madonna of the Stone’), Madonna that has always shown particularly kind towards the inhabitants of the surrounding areas. The church was built really on that big rock intentionally left well visible inside the building. The sanctuary has always been guarded by Dominican Fathers.
Place of high spiritual value also for those who not come from the Casentino, but also place of artistic interest thanks to its architecture and to the beautiful works of art here preserved. The sanctuary is composed of three churches generally called superior church, inferior church and third church. At Santa Maria del Sasso, every year at Christmas, a very beautiful and worth considering manger is prepared.

For info: Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Sasso 0575-593266
www.santamariadelsasso.it