THE PIEVE [PARISH CHURCH] OF SAN PIETRO AT CASCIA

The parish church of San Pietro at Cascia was built at the wish of Countess Matilde di Canossa between the 10th and 11th centuries. Perfectly conserved, thanks also to skilful restorations, it constitutes a typical example of Romanesque architecture. In front of the church an airy portico opens up, the only one among all the Romanesque churches in the area that has remained in its original form. On the right rises the massive bell tower, which has a square structured design and is covered in pietra serena. According to experts, it could have been either a tower of the Castelvecchio that belonged to the Counts Guidi (7th c.) or a Lombard watch-tower (6th c.). Inside, the three-nave layout has a single semi-circular apse in the central nave, which has no transept. The communicating spans between the naves are marked by columns surmounted by Corinthian-type capitals. Two pilasters with a square section define the presbyterial area. The capitals of the first, third and fifth columns on the right feature carved heads of animals and persons, figures of an allegorical significance, and decorative elements typical of Romanesque art.

Behind the church you can visit the interesting Masaccio Museum of Sacred Art.