San Pietro a Gropina, Romanesque church in Loro Ciuffenna, Italy.
San Pietro a Gropina is a Romanesque church in Loro Ciuffenna with three naves supported by stone columns that lead to a semicircular apse. A bell tower from 1233 rises beside the main building, following Lombard design principles.
Archaeological excavations revealed two earlier structures buried beneath the current building: a 5th-century church and an 8th-century Lombard construction with two naves. These layers tell of multiple phases of religious life at this site.
The columns inside show finely carved biblical scenes on the left side, while the right displays motifs from pre-Christian times, Etruscan art, and the East. This mixture of images reflects the history of the people who shaped this place over centuries.
The building is typically open during daytime hours, though there are no fixed visiting times, so checking access ahead of time is wise. Entry is free, and the interior is easy to walk through, allowing visitors to explore the columns and apse without difficulty.
A notable feature is the 8th-century pulpit that leans against a column on the right side, supported by two knotted pillars. The surface of this pulpit is decorated with detailed relief work that reveals the craftsmanship of that era.
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