San Leonardo, Byzantine Revival church building in Parma, Italy
San Leonardo is a Byzantine Revival church in Parma characterized by its red brick walls and impressive interior layout. The interior is structured by columns that clearly divide the nave into sections and create a deep sanctuary area.
The building traces its origins to an original chapel that stood on this site from the 10th century and was connected to an important monastery. In the 16th century the old structure was demolished and the present-day church in Renaissance style was built in its place.
The church houses religious artworks from different periods that reflect the artistic taste of their time. Visitors can discover these works when entering the interior and learn more about the artistic traditions that shaped this place.
The church is centrally located in its neighborhood and easily reached on foot; the interior spaces are accessible to visitors during normal opening hours. It is best to visit the building in the morning or early afternoon when daylight illuminates the interior well.
The location of the structure was completely reshaped after a drastic 16th-century decision when large areas of the surroundings were cleared for new urban plans. This radical intervention shapes the neighborhood layout to this day and explains why the church sits so centrally and stands apart within the urban fabric.
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