San Giovanni Battista, Catholic parish church in Celle di Macra, Italy.
San Giovanni Battista is a Catholic parish church featuring a single nave with vaulted ceilings, a spacious presbytery, and two lateral chapels positioned near the main entrance. A medieval bell tower with biforate windows stands adjacent to a Renaissance-style polygonal tabernacle positioned at the main altar.
The church originated in the 14th century, with documents from 1386 confirming its existence as an established place of worship. Major Baroque renovations in the 17th century transformed its original medieval appearance.
The baptistery displays intricately carved stonework from the Zabreri brothers workshop, reflecting the skilled craftsmanship of local artisans at that time. Visitors can observe these details and understand how local artistry was expressed in religious spaces.
The interior layout is straightforward and compact, making it easy to view the main altar and side chapels without confusion. Early morning or late afternoon hours offer the most peaceful visit with minimal disruption.
The church houses a five-panel polyptych painted by Hans Clemer in 1496, depicting the Madonna with Child and several saints in egg tempera technique. This work represents a rare example of Northern European painting found in an Italian mountain village church.
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