Chiesa di San Francesco

The Church of San Francesco in San Quirico d'Orcia preserves a terracotta Madonna Annunciata and other works spanning the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries.

Why it matters

The church's most notable work is a glazed terracotta Madonna Annunciata associated with Andrea della Robbia, transferred from the rural chapel of Vitaleta in 1870. The building combines Franciscan history with a devotional image that became central to the town's religious life.

What to notice

The quiet travertine facade has a round window above the portal. Inside, a single nave contains four side altars. The main altar holds the Madonna Annunciata attributed to Andrea della Robbia and dated to the early sixteenth century. Other works include wooden statues by Francesco di Valdambrino, a Visitation by Ventura Salimbeni, a Sienese-school crucifix and paintings by Empoli.

Context and history

The church was built between 1867 and 1870 on the remains of the medieval convent of San Francesco. The Madonna Annunciata was moved from the chapel of Vitaleta to the new church in 1870. A local account says the image had previously been brought into town during a drought in 1779; damage to the chapel during earthquakes in 1861 preceded its permanent transfer.