Pieve dei Santi Vito e Modesto a Corsignano, Romanesque church in Pienza, Italy.
The Pieve dei Santi Vito e Modesto is a Romanesque church in Corsignano with three naves separated by square pillars. A cylindrical bell tower from the 11th century stands beside the main structure and defines its appearance.
Originally built in the 7th century, the building gained significance as the baptism site of Pope Pius II in 1405. His nephew, who later became Pope Pius III, was also baptized there, connecting the family to this place permanently.
The entrance portal displays detailed stone carvings showing scenes from the Journey of the Magi and the Nativity within its decorated frame. These sculptures served as a visual story for worshippers who could read these biblical events through the artwork.
The church sits about one kilometer from Pienza's center and can be reached via Via Panoramica. Inside, there is a small crypt with an apse that you access through stairs near the right altar.
Inside, one of the columns bears a serpent sculpture called Regolo, a symbol from pre-Christian times. This rare artwork shows how Romanesque builders sometimes incorporated ancient Roman elements into their new structures.
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