Legend has it that Santa Maria del Calcinaio was built between 1485 and 1513 after the image of the Madonna appeared on a wall of the medieval calcinaio (lime pit used for curing leather) that had occupied the site. The linear gray-and-white interior recalls Florence's Duomo. Sienese architect Francesco di Giorgio (1439-1502) most likely designed the sanctuary: the church is a terrific example of Renaissance architectural principles.
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