Church of Santa Maria di Provenzano

An old city house belonging to the wealthy and prominent Provenzano Salvani family featured a terracotta statue of the Madonna on its facade.

In 1552 a Spanish soldier in the occupying army of the Holy Roman Emperor fired a shot at the statue. Legend doesn't say whether this was deliberate or accidental, but luckily only the lower part of the statue was damaged. Some stories say that the soldier was killed by his gun's backfire while others recount that he immediately repented of his act and went on to lead a blameless life.

The Madonna's face wasn't damaged by the gunfire and the locals considered this a miracle. To celebrate her escape, the Church of Santa Maria di Provenzano was built on the site of the house.

Designed by Flaminio del Turco in the Mannerist style, it was consecrated in 1611. The annual Palio race is dedicated to the Madonna of Provenzano and the race prize or Drappellone is brought to the church by the winner where they give thanks for their victory.