Rotonda di San Tomè, Romanesque church in Almenno San Bartolomeo, Italy
Rotonda di San Tomè is a Romanesque church in Almenno San Bartolomeo with a distinctive circular structure rising in three concentric cylinders, each narrower than the one below. The walls are built with locally sourced squared stones, and the building has three entrances on different sides with the main western portal featuring an arched doorway.
The church was built in the 12th century on the foundations of an earlier circular church from the 9th century. This succession shows how Romanesque architecture replaced and evolved from earlier sacred structures at the same location.
Eight monolithic columns stand around the central space with carved capitals showing religious symbols from Milanese Romanesque traditions. This arrangement creates the sense of a sacred enclosure that pilgrims would have found deeply meaningful.
Access is through one of three entrances, with the main portal on the western side being most prominent. Visitors should expect the interior to feel compact due to the concentric cylinder structure that limits interior space.
Seven arched niches within the lower cylinder create patterns of light and shadow that shift throughout the day. This interplay of lighting was likely intentional in the design to enhance the spiritual experience of those who visited.
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