The Museum of the Treasure of Santa Maria
Housed in rooms adjoining the basilica of Santa Maria, the museum consists of three main sections: illuminated manuscripts, gold-work and sacred paraments and other vestments relating to the basilica, which in the course of its
history has been the beneficiary of many fine donations, some of which were from the Grand Duchy. The silverware collection is in the Sala Silvani, where there is a display of precious silver and gold items, many of which are arranged according to type. The most significant pieces are: a partially gold-plated and enamelled silver-lamina processional cross, attributed to Lorenzo Ghiberti (1425 ca.); two silver patens attributed to Antonio di Salvi (1515); and a collection of rock crystal objects, four candlesticks with a cross-holder and cross
given to the Virgin of Impruneta by Cristina of Lorraine in 1633. On the left-hand wall of the same room there is the 15th-century bas-relief depicting The Finding of the Icon, which evokes the episode that lies at the origin of the worship of the Madonna of Impruneta.
In the manuscript section there are eleven valuable illuminated codexes, seven from the 14th and four from the 15th century, including: a gradual attributed to Lippo di Benivieni (1310-20 ca.); an antiphonary from the mid-15th century decorated by an illuminator influenced by Orcagna; and three 15th-century manuscripts illuminated by Antonio di Girolamo. The recently-established section devoted to liturgical vestments consists of a collection of very fine sacred paraments that includes unique items such as the “capes” used for the venerated image of the Virgin.
Basilica of Santa Maria
A visit to the museum must also be accompanied by a visit to the basilica, which has been restored and renovated a number of times over the centuries and embellished with some fine works of art. Besides the enamel terracottas by Luca della Robbia in the chapels designed by Michelozzi on each side of the presbytery, there are some 17th-century paintings including The Nativity of the Virgin by Passignano, The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian by Matteo Rosselli and The Vocation of St. Peter by Empoli.
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Impruneta Tavarnelle Val di Pesa San Casciano Val di Pesa Barberino Val d'Elsa Greve in Chianti
Il Tesoro di Santa Maria
Winter timetable
from 1 November to 31 March
Sat-Sun 9-13 15-18
Summer timetable:
from 1 April al 31 October
Sat-Sun 9-13 16-19
Informazioni:
055 2036408
Treasure of Santa Maria
Hours: Sat-Sun
9,30am-12,30pm / 3,30-6,30pm
Tel: 055 2036408
Basilica of Santa Maria
Hours: Mon-Sun
7,30-11,30am / 4,30-7pm
Tel: 055 2011072