The Treasure in Italy is Beyond Belief

This morning I went to Mass at the Basilica di Santa Maria dell' Impruneta ... my local church if I actually lived in this small town in Tuscany. I can fully understand why they decorated churches with such visual appeal, in modern terms we would say the ambience is perfect for the job.

Later we went to the Museum attached to the church, the Museo del Tesoro. What an incredible collection of historic artefacts ranging from church silverware to needlework, hand written illuminated choir books from the 14th century to terra cotta votive plaques and other objects of sacred art. All of it related to this church which was originally founded in 1060 and was supported by the Buondelmonti for many hundreds of years, and by the Medici family because of the cult of the Madonna of Impruneta.

Their greatest treasure is an icon of the Virgin of Impruneta but another treasure is a cushion, thought to be the oldest example of patchwork in the world. This was only found after the bombing in 1944 when the sarcophagus of a former priest was damaged. Bishop Antonio degli Agli died in 1477 and his head would have rested on this fascinating cushion. Photos are not allowed in the museum but I found these photos on-line. The second is more realistic in colour and also shows the reverse side.

Entry fee to this amazing collection? A donation.

Next stop was for gelati then we did a little more wandering around town, by which stage it was 34 degrees so time to head home.

Lunch consisted of mortadella with pistaccios, pear and pecorino cheese, amazing tomatoes, olives, artichoke and croccanti ( a crispy bread flavoured with rosemary, salt or other herbs). This is what we love about Italy ... well, one of the things.