Pieve di Sant'Antonino a Socana

Pieve di Sant'Antonino a Socana is a medieval church with a distinctive bell tower whose cylindrical base transitions into a hexagonal upper section. The building sits near the Casentino valley and displays Lombard Romanesque features throughout its interior.

The religious building stands atop the remains of an Etruscan sanctuary dating to the 5th century BC. Excavations in the 1970s uncovered a preserved sandstone altar that testifies to the site's ancient sacred roots.

The church occupies a site considered sacred since ancient times, blending Roman columns with Romanesque details inside. Visitors today see this layering of different periods reflected in the space's long spiritual use.

The site is open during daylight hours and allows visitors to explore both the medieval church and nearby archaeological areas. Wear suitable footwear since the terrain is uneven and there are no formal pathways.

The sandstone altar behind the church remains intact with its original decorative moldings and lead clamps. This rare preservation shows how carefully ancient sacred objects survived here across millennia.

Location: Castel Focognano

GPS coordinates: 43.64642,11.82658

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:42