Arezzo - Church of Saint Mary of Grace

(Local Name: Santa Maria delle Grazie) The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie lies outside the town to the south. In pagan times this had been the site of a sacred spring. Then in 1428 San Bernardino of Siena came here and caused all traces of heathen worship to be destroyed and a chapel to be built on the spot. In 1449 the building of the present church, dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie (altar-painting by Parri de Spinello), was begun, and a graceful portico was added in 1478. The altar by Andrea della Robbia, of marble and terracotta, was installed at the end of the 15th century. To the right of the church is an oratory dedicated to San Bernardino.