Pieve di San Pantaleone

Pieve di San Pantaleone is a Romanesque church in the settlement of Pieve a Elici, built with three naves, a semicircular apse, and a bell tower of limestone blocks. The interior follows a Latin cross layout, showing the typical structure of medieval churches from this region.

The church was first documented in 892 and underwent several phases of rebuilding and expansion over centuries. The current structure dates mainly from the 12th and 13th centuries, when it took on its Romanesque form.

The church holds a marble triptych from the 15th century depicting the Madonna and Saint Pantaleon, showing how religious art reflected local devotion in this community. These sacred images shaped the spiritual identity of those who gathered here.

The church sits on elevated ground in Massarosa, offering views toward Lake Massaciuccoli and the Versilian coast from its position. Access is via Via della Croce, and the elevated location makes finding the site straightforward from the surrounding area.

A volcanic stone basin sits in the square between the church and the rectory, possibly dating from Roman times. This object suggests the site was inhabited and worked long before the church was built.

Location: Massarosa

GPS coordinates: 43.88620,10.33520

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44