The territory of Impruneta borders to the north with the Commune of Florence, to the east with Greve and Bagno a Ripoli, to the south with San Casciano and Scandicci. The origins of Impruneta undoubtedly go back to very remote times and during archeological excavations, some Etruscan and Roman remains and traces have been found. Impruneta's history is closely linked to that of Florence and to the organization of the territories of the Republic into Leagues. This town enjoyed great importance even in those times and was the centre for one of the largest Leagues in the division of the Florentine State and countryside. The holy image of the Madonna of Impruneta has always been venerated by the florentines and in times of plague, war or other calamities, was taken with great solemnity to Florence, with the partecipation of all the Magistratures of the Republic and leter the Medici and Lorraine Grand Dukes and their courts. The miraculous image was moved 65 times between 1343 and 1750. A XIV century bas-relief representing a Madonna and Saints can be seen under the elegant XVII century church porch. A Romanesque bell tower, suggestive in its harmonious beauty, rises up at the side of the church. inside, the temple is in the shape of a Latine cross and is enriched by two altars with two tabernacles by Michelozzo Michelozzi. There are also bas-reliefs and statues modelled by Luca della Robbia and a magnificent crucifix by Giambologna. Even the sacristies contain valuable works of art: a XIV century altarpiece with a Madonna and Child and Saints; a crucifix attribuited to Tacca, and valuable hangings, silver, illuminated codes and velvets. Some paintings on canvas by great masters decorate the Basilica and fortunately most of the finest works have been saved from the disasters of war. In fact, during the last war, two thirds of the Basilica was destroyed by a bomb attack (July 27th and 28th 1944) as well as part of the village. The image of the Madonna was miraculosly saved from the debries and moved to Florence to the Church of San Felice in Piazza, where it had often been taken in previous centuries. The Chorus, Presbitery and High Altar were completely destroyed; the altarpiece by Pietro Nelli and Tommaso del Mazza was irreparably shattered; the little temples by Michelozzo were badly damaged and the rich and sumptuous baroque ceiling collapsed to the ground. Thanks to the Head of Fine Arts, the church has since been rebuilt in a more austere manner and many of the works of art have been patiently repaired. Much of the XI century crypt has also been restroied.