Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, Medieval church in Sestola, Italy

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is a medieval church building in Sestola with traditional Italian architectural design. The interior contains a central nave and several altars distributed throughout the space.

The church was built around 1406 on the ruins of Roncoscaglia castle, destroyed that same year to prevent its rebuilding; the castle keep's base is still visible and its stones were reused for the church foundations. A bell tower inscription records its completion in 1462, and consecration followed in 1517. The building was modified and enlarged over the following centuries.

The church remains a place for worship and local gatherings where the Sestola community comes together. You can observe how church life continues to be woven into the daily rhythm of village life.

You can enter the church through the main entrance on the town square, with parking available within walking distance. Plan your visit for morning or early afternoon when the church is open and less crowded.

The 15th-century fresco cycle of the life of Saint John, painted by an unknown artist, was plastered over in 1796 to hide it from French troops and rediscovered in 1857 in poor condition. It is now kept at the Musei della Rocca di Sestola, not in the church.