In 2017, Santa Maria a Ferrano became an affiliated institution of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe. It is also a member of the Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers.
The Romanesque church of Santa Maria a Ferrano , as it stands today, is about a thousand years old - the first written document mentioning Santa Maria dates 1080. Most likely it was founded by a religious order from Florence that received the lands from a local, feudal lord in order to bring culture and agriculture to the then backward and remote “Florentine mountains”.
The church, dedicated to “Santa Maria”, houses a fresco (late 15th century, in a fragile state of conservation) depicting Mary nursing the child Jesus and two saints standing to the right and left of her. The church today is used for liturgy, prayer, meditation, gatherings and artistic performances.
The main farm house and side-buildings of 300 square meters were added in the 16th century, when the church was no longer the religious center of the area. The surrounding lands of aproximately 18 acres were cultivated until 1962, when the last farmer, working in “mezzadria” - a medieval form of sharecropping - left Santa Maria. At that time the church was deconsecrated.
In 1980 a German sculptor bought Santa Maria to create an international summer art academy. Over a five year period the buildings and grounds were restored by volunteers, art students from northern Europe. Santa Maria has since then hosted artists, art students and Waldorf /Steiner schools for study periods of stone-carving, painting, music, dance and the Florentine Renaissance.
In 1990 the property was taken over by a German foundation. Activities continued in somewhat diminished form. The Rev. Thomas Müller - priest in the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe and part of the original group of students that restored Santa Maria in the early 80’s - was asked to take over management in 2005. He expanded the program to include spiritual retreats and increased initiatives involving the local community.
In 2009 the then owner of Santa Maria donated the property to an Italian non-profit set up by Thomas, Santa Maria a Ferrano onlus,. Since then course offerings have expanded both in arts and crafts and in the area of religion and spirituality. A new phase of restoration also was initiated with the complete renewal of the roof of the main house.
Santa Maria is located at 620 meters in the hillside 30 km east of Florence. It is a place of great natural beauty, strength and simplicity. Its essential, historical and spiritual nature provide an ideal environment for people from all walks of life to return to fundamental questions and perspectives on life. We welcome all who seek to know and better understand themselves, God, each other and the world.
With the reconsecration of the chapel by Bishop Whalon in October, it is hoped that Santa Maria can continue to expand its ministry as a place of prayer, encounter, and refreshment for Episcopalians-Anglicans, people of faith, and seekers from Europe and beyond.
