Nestled in the perfectly preserved walled town of Monteriggioni in Tuscany is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Despite my love affair with Brunelleschi’s famous dome in Florence, it’s this little unassuming church which is my favorite chiesa of all which I’ve seen in Italy thus far.
Built over an ancient church, Santa Maria Assunta was consecrated in the early 1200s following a peace treaty between the notoriously warring Siena and Florence.
Small and peaceful, this tiny stone church doesn’t boast murals from any of Italy’s rock stars from art history. But it’s exactly that simplicity to which I’m drawn. 
Monteriggioni is not far from Florence and is a fantastic stop to include if you are visiting the more popular Tuscan towns of Siena and San Gimignano. If you’re traveling with kids, Monteriggioni is highly recommended!
Prayers & Piazzas 
Monteriggioni is so cute. I had lunch from the Generi Alimentari right across the piazza, but I don’t think the church was open while I was there. I can’t think of any other reason I would not have gone in! Ciao, Cristina
Hi Stacy, lovely post. We are still reeling from the earthquakes, and I am very saddened to see photos of the historic Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia completely destroyed. It was also a smaller unassuming church in the main piazza, but with some sublime frescoes and a very tranquil & meditative feel. You can’t rebuild that, can you?
You certainly cannot. It makes me so sad to see the photos and think of everyone displaced. Relieved, though, to hear no loss of life. Glad you are well and thank you for your thoughts. Prayers. ❤
Reblogged this on Make Italy Yours.
Grazie!
Grazie a te Stacy! 🙂
Nice. I also generally prefer the smaller gems.
Thanks, Karen. The smaller churches are so intimate and welcoming. And thanks for the follow — happy to have you here with me!