Santa Maria in Belverde

From Bagno Vignoni, head towards Chianciano and continue to Sarteano, then take the road that leads up to Mount Cetona. After a few kilometers, on the left, you’ll find the sign for the Convent of San Francesco and the Hermitage of Santa Maria in Belverde, tucked away in a breathtaking natural landscape. According to tradition, Saint Francis once retreated to this cave behind the church for prayer, inspiring the construction of the hermitage and church in 1367 by a nobleman from Orvieto. The highlight of this tranquil site is the church itself, set over two levels and divided into three chapels. Inside, you’ll find exquisite frescoes from the late 14th century, attributed to Cola Petruccioli, depicting the Crucifixion, Saint Francis’s Stigmata, the Annunciation, the Madonna, and the Evangelists. A truly spiritual and artistic gem.