Cantina dei Santi, Medieval church cellar in Romagnano Sesia, Italy.
Cantina dei Santi is an underground stone building with herringbone-patterned walls and an atrium with a double portico leading to two rooms. The structure preserves the architectural form of a medieval cellar with clearly defined areas for different purposes.
This building is the last surviving remnant of the Benedictine Abbey of San Silvano, founded in 1008 and later managed by the future Pope Pius IV. This connection to a future pope shows the importance of the site in the region's church history.
The interior displays frescoes from the 15th century showing Biblical scenes from King David's life, reflecting the religious art tradition of the region. These images offer insight into the beliefs of people who used this space across many centuries.
Access is through a small lane connected to IV Novembre Park in the old Badia district, making orientation easy. The site is walkable and the underground location makes a visit pleasant throughout the year.
From 1777 onward, this building served as a wine cellar, and barrel marks remain visible on the walls today. This dual use - religious and practical - shows how spaces adapted their functions across the centuries.
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