Church of Santa Maria del Giglio A wonderful sanctuary, an oasis of peace, has been created with the flowering of a withered lily
The sanctuary of Santa Maria del Giglio is a place steeped in mystery and miracles. Its story begins with an extraordinary event that shook the souls of the faithful and gave life to a unique place of devotion.
It was on the 26th of August 1664 that the miracle happened. In the modest oratory of San Silvestro, an image of the Virgin Mary frescoed on the external wall of the building, above an ancient well, manifested all the divine power. A dried lily, placed in front of the painting, bloomed prodigiously, testifying to the presence of a supernatural force.
That heavenly sign could not be ignored. The oratory, so touched by divine grace, was transformed into a sanctuary, through a careful process of renovation that extended from 1672 to 1680. The structure, typical of sanctuaries of the time, welcomes visitors with a majestic porch, which precedes the entrance into the sacred building. The façade, embellished with a sandstone portal dating back to the first half of the fifteenth century, fascinates and enchants anyone who approaches.
Crossing the threshold of the sanctuary, you find yourself immersed in an atmosphere of profound spirituality. The interior develops into a single nave, supported by splendid wooden trusses, which seem to embrace the faithful with their elegance and majesty. At the center of the main altar, the venerated fresco of the Breastfeeding Madonna dominates, dating back to ancient times. The sacred work is framed by a canvas by Pier Dandini, which portrays Saints Silvestro, Giacinto and Maddalena, giving a sense of sacredness and timeless beauty.
The sanctuary of Santa Maria del Giglio is a place that invites reflection and prayer. Its walls guard centuries of faith and devotion, testifying to the power of spirituality and the profound connection between the human and the divine. Here, the frescoes, works of art and religious symbols come together in extraordinary harmony, creating a unique experience for anyone who decides to visit it.
It is a place where the sacred becomes tangible, where emotions mix with the enchantment of art and the grandeur of faith. The sanctuary of Santa Maria del Giglio is a refuge for the soul, an oasis of peace and serenity in which to find comfort and spiritual renewal.
Information
- Via San Silvestro - Prato (PO)
Opening time: by reservation
Ticket: free entrance
Typology: Churches
It is part of the itineraries: Bound to the Belt