Eremo di Santa Maria alla Sambuca (Hermitage of Santa Maria alla Sambuca), Livorno

The Hermitage of Santa Maria alla Sambuca, located in the scenic hills of Livorno, is a secluded retreat that has stood as a testament to religious and communal life since the 13th century. Nestled at 175 meters above sea level in the valley formed by the Ugione torrent, it is bordered by Mount Corbolone, the Benedetta Valley, and the surrounding hills of Poggia and Parrana. The name “Sambuca,” meaning "holy hole," reflects both its remote location and its spiritual significance.

The church at the hermitage is modest in design, featuring a single nave with a semicircular apse. Its structure is defined by cross vaults supported by semi-pillars along the walls. The altar, a simple table, stands as the only remaining piece of furniture in the sacred space. Though much of the original frescoes have been lost to time, small fragments and sinopias hint at the richness that once adorned the church.

The hermitage’s recorded history begins in 1237 when Rainerio of Belluccio bequeathed lands, vineyards, and olive groves to the community of Santa Maria di Parrana. By 1267, the friars had established a relationship with the monastery of San Paolo in Ripa d'Arno, to which they paid tribute annually. The community itself remained small, consisting of a prior and five hermit friars, who not only engaged in religious practices but also participated in local economic activities. The hermitage's location, surrounded by unspoiled woods and peaceful silence, makes it a unique historical and natural site in the region.