Church of Santa Maria Maddalena
Built on the ruins of an ancient Romanesque church, this simple facade hides an interior adorned with breathtaking works of art.
The church was first mentioned in papal documents in 1188, but its current appearance dates back just over 70 years. The entire facade was rebuilt after the First World War, when the city was heavily bombed.
But inside, things have remained much the same since the Renaissance. Benvenuto di Giovanni created the precious panel of the Madonna and Child with Saints Sebastian and Mary Magdalene in the 15th century.
This panel (above) is Saturnia’s most famous artwork and is a true masterpiece with its gold filaments and angelic-looking figures.
Also preserved in the church are two beautifully sculpted 18th century processional crosses and a pair of angelic candelabra made in the 17th century and, as far as I know, unique in their kind in the whole of Maremma.
The wooden tabernacle that dominates the left side of the room features paintings of Saints Clare and Elizabeth of Hungary. It was made in a 17th century Sienese workshop and is beyond beautiful.
