The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Ripaia was built on 7 March 1283. It is situated on a 148-metre high hill. From the top, the gentle panorama sweeps the view over the mountains of Livorno and the Apennines and the sea. Today’s architecture of the building reflects the various influences that have succeeded one another since the original Romanesque construction. Inside the sanctuary is a painting on wood of a Madonna and Child, with Saints Laurence and Bartholomew on either side, together with two angels. Originally attributed to the school of Giunta Pisano, later studies however attribute the work to the Master of San Torpe’, early 14th century. It is thanks to this painting and its discovery, however, that popular veneration of the Madonna of our Sanctuary was kindled.
The veneration of Our Lady of Ripaia Hill began several centuries ago, according to an oral tale, when some sailors in distress on a stormy night spotted a light in the stormy darkness on a distant hill. When the light appeared, they began to pray to Our Lady. Shortly afterwards they landed unharmed on the shore. The hill where the light appeared was the hill of Ripaia. To this undated story, however, we have a dated and certified sequel, which is 28 July 1602. When in Treggiaia a violent fire in the centre of the village, according to the remaining ex-votos, was miraculously extinguished.