In the small out of the way village of Vigolo Marchese, near Piacenza, we can see an important Romanesque monument. A splendid Romanesque church, with a circular baptistry can be seen. The complex dates from the beginning of the Eleventh century and was founded as a monastery.
The church in common with many of these old buildings, has seen many alterations and restorations over the years. In 1572 the layout was rotated 180° with the alter placed near to the original entrance and where we enter today. In 1917 the layout was spun backwards to the original layout. The interior gives the impression of a heavy handed restoration, as the patina of the centuries is missing.
The Baptistry is probably the most interesting part of this complex. It is probably older than the church. A Roman column capital has been recycled as a font. We cannot be sure the Baptistry was built as a Baptistry, because the complex was founded as a monastery, which had no use for such a building. It may have been built originally as a church for the villagers. We will never know.
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
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| S. Giovanni, Vigolo Marchese, PC |
The little church of San Nicomede is easy to miss, in the vast countryside near Salsomaggiore, and from the outside seems to be a building of little interest. A church has been here since the ninth century and altered in the fourteenth century. Enter and there is little to see. But go down the narrow stairs into the crypt and a we see why this little chapel is worth a visit.
A couple of Roman columns have been reused to support the roof of the crypt. The other two columns are medieval. You feel you you have stepped back in time down there.
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| San Nicomede, Salsomaggiore, PR |
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| San Nicomede, Salsomaggiore, PR |
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| San Nicomede, Salsomaggiore, PR |
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| San Nicomede, Salsomaggiore, PR |
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| San Nicomede, Salsomaggiore, PR |
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| San Nicomede, Salsomaggiore, PR |
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