Arezzo - Santa Maria della Pieve

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls.

It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande.

This carving is for sure connected to the "Nativity Scene" (previous upload).

Virgin Mary seated on a throne, holding the child, during the adoration of the Magi. Above them an angel swings a censer. The names of the Magi are over the heads (CASPAR BALTASAR M(e)LCH(ior). Unfortunately I cannot read the other inscriptions.

The Magi stand like Morris´ Daltons, when they meet Lucky Luke.