Oratory of Madonna dei Terremoti

Outside the ancient walls of Scarperia, where the Porta Fiorentina once stood, the “Spedale” of Santa Maria was located. It was a hospice, established in 1320, to welcome pilgrims traveling along the road to Bologna. The building not only served as a place of shelter, but it also contained several sacred images, including an Annunciation painted on the door and a Madonna and Child depicted on the exterior wall.

This latter image became particularly important to the people of Mugello, especially after the violent earthquake that struck the area in 1542. According to a religious tradition, during the earthquake, the Virgin Mary is said to have placed the Christ Child on her lap and, joining her hands together, implored heaven to put an end to the terrible quake. This story helped strengthen the devotion of the locals, who began to venerate the image with the significant name of “Madonna dei Terremoti” (Our Lady of the Earthquakes). From that moment on, the site became increasingly important to the community and the tabernacle containing the image of the Virgin Mary became a destination for solemn annual processions.

Inside the oratory, the precious tabernacle with the Madonna and Child is still preserved today. This work, dated 1448, is attributed to the famous Florentine painter Filippo Lippi.

Not only does the presence of this work give the building important religious significance, but also considerable historical and artistic value, linking it to the great cultural tradition of 15th-century Florence.