Off to Tuscany (9)

In addition to the memorials and shrines to victims of the Second World War which I have mentioned in previous articles, there are, of course, more conventional religious shrines.

This lovely shrine, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is at the edge of the forest near Codiponte, a village which was once on an important pilgrim trail in the middle ages.

The church at Codiponte is over a thousand years old and was the seat of a bishop - the ruins of his palace still adjoin the ancient church building.

I don't know who looks after the shrine, but it is always in lovely condition. It's an ideal place to rest after a long walk through the woods, before pushing on to the cafe for a nice cold beer.