The famous church of Santa Maria in Provenzano is located in Piazza Provenzano Salvani. In this portion of the city stood the houses of Provenzano Salvani political Ghibelline mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy, who won the battle of Montaperti in 1260.
The church was erected, designed by Flaminio del Turco, in a Mannerist style between 1594 and 1604 (although it was not consecrated until 16 October 1611), following the announcement of the miracle happened around the middle of the sixteenth century, when, according to tradition, a Spanish sharpshooter (Siena was under Spanish rule), probably drunk, fired from a window against a painted terracotta statuette of the Virgin, reducing it in pieces in the bottom part, but leaving intact face and head. The musket exploded in the face of the soldier who died on the spot (according to another version, absolutely minority, the soldier survived, he regretted the gesture and converted).
The Basilica is taken down every year the Palio of July 2nd, dedicated to the Madonna of Provenzano. The Palio tarp is brought in Piazza del Campo on the day of his career and, after the race, the district winner, albeit for a few minutes, reports the “rag” to the church to thank, in utter jubilation of the Contrada, the Virgin of Provenzano.
From suites 4 and 7 you can enjoy a unique view of the beautiful dome of the Basilica.
Credits:
http://www.scopriresiena.it/chiesa-di-santa-maria-in-provenzano/
http://www.iltesorodisiena.net/2013/10/la-madonna-di-provenzano-e-la-sua_12.html
See the other points of interest
