Santa Maria, Romanesque church in Loppia di Sopra, Italy
Santa Maria is a church in Loppia di Sopra built with rounded arches, sturdy stone walls, and a traditional three-nave layout. The interior features several altars positioned throughout the space and displays the craftsmanship typical of Renaissance construction.
Construction started around 1500 under architect Tullio Lombardo, who worked on marble decorations through 1505. During the Napoleonic period around 1805, the building lost its religious function and was used as a tobacco warehouse and prison.
The place is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and served as a pilgrimage destination for local communities through the centuries. You can still sense this spiritual importance in how the building is oriented and how the altars are arranged.
The building is located in Loppia di Sopra, a village near Barga, accessible by local roads from the town. Access is through the main entrance with its simple portal, and the interior is easy to navigate without obstacles.
The building underwent a comprehensive restoration between 1961 and 1965 that preserved the Renaissance brick facade with its simple portal and triangular finial. This work saved the delicate details of the original facade design from further decay.
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