Jewel pieve reopens for visits in Santa Maria Square for concerts

Pro Loco of Gambassi runs the slots

Gambasy Terme. The Church of Santa Maria a Chiani in Gambasi Terme has completely reopened to the public. After the problems recorded last winter, when part of the roof was difficult to access, now marking the summer and tourist season, guided tours and events will allow you to witness a rare gem of beauty in Valdelsa, dating back to Romanesque time.

Santa Maria a Chianni Church is open June 21-September 24, and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 4-7 p.m., with free guided tours. Pro Loco of Gambassi, which deals with the promotion and management of visits, explains that the possibility of evening visits is under consideration. This is a complete and very important reopening of the municipality of Gambassi Terme, both from a tourist point of view and for the possibility of a stopover for travelers through Francigena, because the parish church of Santa Maria i Chiani has always represented an added value to that city with its historical and cultural value.

The works in the parish were not of great importance and thanks to the cooperation with the diocese of Volterra a solution was found. The affected area was a part leaning on the old church called the Church of the Communion.

We begin the day in the parish with a series of parties, three in total, until July 3. The events that marry with the neighboring town, Montaison, which other events will take place in another famous place such as Jerusalem in San Vivaldo in the church of “La Voga Digitto”. Appointments to be marked in the calendar for Pieve di Santa Maria a Chianni are: today (June 19), June 26 and July 3. Concerts start at 6 PM with free admission. In Gambassi Terme and Montion, there will be the Tuscany Orchestra, which was founded in Florence in 1980 on the initiative of the region, province and capital and is considered among the best in Italy with 40 musicians.

This historic church is ready to shine again and be appreciated. It is in fact one of the most important examples of late Romanesque architecture in Tuscany and not far from the historic center of Gambasi, which can also be reached on foot. Despite the passage of centuries and the restoration interventions that have taken place over time, the parish still mainly maintains an appearance very similar to the facade of Volterra Cathedral. The parish church of Santa Maria a Chiani is remembered at the end of the 10th century by Archbishop Segreco of Canterbury as the twentieth stage of his journey along the Via Francigena, its yellow sandstone facade standing out in contrast to the surrounding landscape. The same as the Francigena road that appears right in front of the church.

In addition, in the next few days, other events in Gambasi municipality will also be made official, which will provide space in the municipal park, as well as the outdoor cinema programme.