Barchessone Vecchio, National heritage farm building in San Martino Spino, Italy.
Barchessone Vecchio is a hexadecagonal structure with two floors, where the upper level adopts an octagonal shape and a central column supports the entire building. Today the ground floor houses a conference and exhibition space, while upstairs functions as an environmental education center for public activities.
The building was constructed in 1824 as a horse breeding facility and later served as a military equestrian center from 1883 until 1954. During both World Wars, it housed thousands of horses for military operations.
The name 'Basilica delle Valli' comes from how the structure resembles early Christian churches found in the Mirandola valley. Visitors can see how this inspiration shaped the unusual interior proportions and the prominence of the central support.
The building is organized into two distinct functional areas showing how it has been repurposed over time. Visitors can explore both levels to see the different spaces and their current uses.
Three concentric rows of pillars arranged like a crown support the entire structure, a construction detail you can observe directly. The floors are laid with herringbone-patterned terracotta bricks, giving the space a warm, handcrafted quality.
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