Sant'Andrea

Sant'Andrea is a Romanesque church located on a hilltop overlooking Val di Vara, featuring three naves that end in three apses. A Baroque bell tower rises from the structure, marking it as a distinctive landmark in the surrounding landscape.

The church first appears in historical records in 963 through an imperial diploma issued by Emperor Otto I. By 1148, according to a papal privilege from Pope Eugene III, it served as the mother church overseeing four smaller chapels in the area.

The columns inside display capitals with human, animal, and plant-inspired carvings that reflect Romanesque styles from the Po Valley region. Walking through the church, you can observe these decorative details on the pillars that support the structure.

The church underwent major renovations and was reopened in 2011, with the interiors now well-maintained. Keep in mind that this is an active place of worship, so be respectful when entering and moving through the space.

The central apse contains remarkable carved elements that blend the styles of Antelami and Pisan sculptors from the second half of the 1100s. This artistic combination reflects the church's connection to major artistic centers of the medieval period.