San Giovanni, Romanesque church in Campiglia Marittima, Italy
San Giovanni is a Romanesque church in Campiglia Marittima featuring a Latin cross layout with a wooden trussed roof and ornate stone doorways. The structure has carved details at its side entrances that show fine medieval craftsmanship.
The building first appears in a Papal document from 1075, though the current structure dates to the 12th century. This suggests that an earlier religious structure stood on the site before being rebuilt.
Stone carvings at the side entrance show the Calydonian Boar Hunt along with lions and other mythological figures, reflecting the artistic tastes of the medieval period.
The church sits within the cemetery grounds, so visitors should check opening hours to avoid being locked in after their visit. It is helpful to plan your visit during daylight hours to see the carved details clearly.
A Sator square palindrome inscription is carved into the outer wall, a mysterious word puzzle that has been studied and interpreted for centuries. Its presence connects this place to theories about medieval esoteric communities.
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