Santissima Annunziata Sanctuary in Vinci
History, art and Marian devotion in the heart of the village of Vinci, with precious sacred paintings attributed to Fra Paolino da Pistoia
The Santissima Annunziata Sanctuary is located in the heart of the village of Vinci, along the road leading to Empoli. Located near the Conti Guidi Castle, this place of worship has a history rooted in the 16ᵗʰ century, when it arose as an oratory dedicated to the Madonna di Sotto, a devotional destination for visiting bishops of Pistoia.
In 1612, the oratory was officially blessed, ushering in a period of growing popular devotion. Between 1713 and 1723, the building was reconstructed to accommodate a larger number of worshippers, taking on its present appearance with a façade characterized by 3 arches and an elegant Tuscan-style loggia. The bell tower, erected in 1911 and designed by architect Orazio Tamburini, completes the Sanctuary’s architectural layout.
Inside, the high altar houses a panel depicting the Annunciation, attributed to Fra Paolino da Pistoia (Paolo Bernardino del Signoraccio). This painter, trained in the San Marco workshop in Florence under Fra Bartolomeo, is known for his teaching being influenced by Perugino and artistic experiences in the Florentine workshop. In addition to the altar panel are frescoes testifying to his mastery and contribution to the decoration of the building.
The Santissima Annunziata Sanctuary has played a central role in the Marian devotion of Monte Albano and continues to be an important spiritual and cultural landmark for the community of Vinci and for visitors who come to this picturesque corner of Tuscany.
