Casentino


Sanctuary of La Verna

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Cradle of mystery and devotion: let’s explore the Sanctuary of La Verna and its secret treasures

In the heart of the Casentino, between the valley floor and the Tuscan-Romagnolo Apennines, one of the most fascinating hidden jewels of Tuscany is revealed: the Sanctuary of La Verna. This important and extraordinary place of Franciscan devotion stands as a spiritual beacon within the municipality of Chiusi della Verna, in the province of Arezzo. Here, in the midst of a landscape of extraordinary natural beauty, where lush forests, majestic mountains and serenely picturesque valleys merge, the Sanctuary of La Verna assumes a role of exceptional importance. This is the place where, according to tradition, St. Francis of Assisi received the sacred stigmata in 1224. With its altitude of 1128 metres, overlooking the slope of Mount Penna, the sanctuary constantly attracts pilgrims eager to retreat in prayer and reflection . In addition to the religious importance of the sanctuary itself, a visit to this place offers the chance to explore other sacred structures, such as the chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the majestic Basilica. Not least is the inviting Monumental Forest of La Verna, a precious fir and beech forest that embraces the sanctuary, crossed by a network of paths.

Brief history of the Sanctuary

Raised to the rank of minor basilica by Pope Benedict XV in 1921, the Sanctuary of La Verna dominates Piazza del Quadrante. The complex as we know it today was built starting in 1260 and subsequently renovated over the course of almost five centuries. This Renaissance-Baroque style sanctuary is the most famous Franciscan convent in the Casentino area. This site is of primary importance in the context of Franciscanism, given that St. Francis himself founded a primitive hermitic nucleus here, consisting of small cells and a small church, the chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli. It was in this place that in 1224 St. Francis received the sacred stigmata, thus transforming La Verna into a sacred place of veneration. Following this miraculous event, La Verna was placed under papal protection by the then Pope Alexander IV. In 1260 a church was built in the presence of San Bonaventura, and later the Chapel of the Stigmata was also erected. Partially destroyed by fire during the 15th century, the sanctuary was rebuilt and then remodeled again in the following centuries.

What to see in the Sanctuary of La Verna

In addition to the primary attraction which is the Sanctuary, the traveler who arrives in this enchanting corner of Tuscany will find countless other wonders to discover, both spiritual and naturalistic. Upon his arrival, he will be greeted by the Quadrante, a suggestive panoramic square which serves as an access point to all the buildings of the sanctuary. This name is inspired by the sundial that adorns the wall of the bell tower of the basilica, which dominates the square. Here there is also a wooden cross planted in the rock and a 16th century well-cistern, the work of the Franciscan friars. The quadrant offers a spectacular view of the Casentino, with its valley and woods.

Santuario della Verna
Sanctuary of La Verna (Photo by Helena / CC BY)

Cappella di Santa Maria degli Angeli

The chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli is the original nucleus of the hermit complex, personally commissioned by St. Francis in 1216. Originally a small church, it was enlarged to its current size thanks to the intervention of Pope Innocent IV in 1250. Inside, the sacred works of considerable importance, directly or indirectly attributable to San Francesco, belonging to different eras. Among these, the canvases by the painter Ferdinando Folchi from 1877 and the glazed terracotta reliefs depicting the Nativity with St. Francis and St. Anthony and the Christ in Pietà between the Virgin and St. John, works by Andrea della Robbia with his son Luca, stand out.

Basilica Maggiore

Adjacent to the chapel of Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Basilica Maggiore was built later, in 1348, and completed during the sixteenth century. Dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, the entrance is through an elegant Renaissance-style portico. Once inside, you will be greeted by a majestic nave with cross vaults, embellished with numerous works and reliefs by renowned authors such as Andrea Della Robbia and Piero di Zanobi. Among the main works the Madonna del Rifugio, from the Della Robbia workshop, the Nativity and the Annunciation by Andrea Della Robbia and the Ascension by Andrea and Luca Della Robbia.

The remains of the Blessed Friar Giovanni della Verna rest in a side chapel. Inside there is also the Chapel of the Relics of San Francesco where the saint’s habit is kept which until 2001 was kept in the Church of Ognissanti in Florence.

Corridor and Chapel of the Stigmata

The episode of the stigmata of St. Francis has given the Sanctuary of La Verna an aura of profound spirituality. This is reflected in the structures commemorating the event, including the Corridor of the Stigmata. This space winds behind the portico of the Basilica Maggiore and houses a collection of sacred works of art of considerable impact, including canvases, reliefs, majolica, sculptures and frescoes dedicated to San Francesco. Every day, at 15.00, the procession of the ninth hour takes place along the corridor, a tradition that has its roots in 1431.

At the end of the corridor is the Chapel of the Stigmata, the true heart of the sanctuary, built on the very site where the miracle supposedly took place. Here you can admire a magnificent Crucifixion by Andrea Della Robbia and a Madonna with Blessing Child created by students of Andrea himself.

Museum

In 2002 the new La Verna museum was opened to the public. This museum, accessible free of charge, is housed in seven large rooms dating back to the fifteenth century and houses significant spaces that portray the monastic life of the historic convent. Inside its rooms, illuminated choirs from the 15th century, liturgical objects, ornamental fabrics and pictorial works are on display.

Sanctuary of La Verna
Sanctuary of La Verna (Photo by SailkoCC BY)

Monumental Forest of La Verna

Extending over an area of no less than 200 hectares, the Monumental Forest of La Verna envelops Mount Penna, where the sanctuary stands majestically. This mixed forest of silver fir and beech offers a unique visit experience, thanks to the paths that cross it. In addition to hosting a rich and diverse fauna, this forest holds caves, ravines and natural cavities, enriched by a variety of plants and flowers.

Sasso di Frate Lupo

As you walk along the path that leads from the Sanctuary of La Verna to the top of Mount Penna, you will come across an enormous rock that juts out towards the precipice. This is the Sasso di Frate Lupo, so called in honor of the meeting between St. Francis and the brigand Lupo, who converted to Christianity. The particular shape of this rock and its position on the edge of the precipice, combined with the legend of San Francesco and the brigand, make it a point of naturalistic interest loved by the tourists who come here.

Grotta di Fra’ David

In the late 1980s, David Badii, a young Franciscan novice, resided in the Sanctuary of La Verna and often retired to the Monumental Forest to pray. On one evening when he did not return to the convent, the brothers began to worry and feared the worst. Unfortunately, their fears proved to be well founded when the young friar was found dead in the woods. A large boulder, which forms a cavity presumably used by the friar for praying, is now known as the Grotta di Fra’ David. This place can be reached on foot from the Sanctuary and still today houses the sandals of the young friar, together with a plaque commemorating his life.

Information for visiting the Sanctuary of La Verna

Below you will find all the practical information for a visit to the Sanctuary of La Verna.

Timetables

The Sanctuary is open every day from 6.30 am to 9.30 pm for visits. The Chapel of the Stigmata is accessible from 8 am to 7 pm from April to October, and from 8.00 to 17.00 from November to March. The Sanctuary shop, which sells souvenirs, books and products from the old pharmacy, is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Masses are celebrated every day at 8 am, 11 am and 4 pm, with additional masses at 10 am (July and August only), 12.15 am and 5.30 pm (April to December only) on public holidays. In addition, Eucharistic adoration takes place every Thursday at 6 pm, while on Saturdays at 6.30 pm there is the celebration of the rosary.

Guided tours

Guided tours of the Sanctuary of La Verna are available with free donations, lasting approximately 45-60 minutes. It is also possible to request a meeting with a religious of the Shrine to discuss a specific theme. These meetings are only possible from 9 am to 12.30 or from 3.30 pm to 6 pm.

Foresteria and refectory

The Sanctuary of La Verna offers various reception facilities, including a guesthouse with 72 heated rooms equipped with bathroom and shower. Reservations can be made by email at Santuarioverna@gmail.com or by calling 0575-5341 or 0575-534210 from 9 am to 5 pm. Furthermore, there is a refectory with 600 seats, open every day for lunch from 12.30 to 2 pm and for dinner at 7.30 pm.

How to get to the Sanctuary of La Verna

The Sanctuary of La Verna rises in a rather remote position, immersed in the heart of the Casentino forests. From Florence, it can be reached in about 2 hours. You can take the steep road SR70 della Consuma from Pontassieve, which crosses the Consuma pass to enter the Casentino. A more convenient but longer alternative is to take the motorway, exiting at Firenze Sud and following the road to Arezzo, then proceeding towards the Casentino. Travel time from other Tuscan cities varies from 2 and a half to 3 and a half hours. In many cases, it is necessary to reach Florence first and then follow one of the previously mentioned options.

For those who use public transport, reaching the Sanctuary of La Verna can be challenging but not impossible. It is necessary to arrive at Chiusi della Verna, which is connected by bus to Bibbiena, where the regional trains from Arezzo stop. The whole journey from Florence to Chiusi della Verna takes about 4 hours, also considering the waiting times for connections. The last stretch of road that leads from Chiusi della Verna to the destination is via del Santuario della Verna, which winds along the side of Mount Penna with a difference in height of about 200 metres. This section can be covered on foot in less than an hour and is just over 3 kilometers long.

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