Overlooking the beautiful Valdera countryside, this splendid medieval parish church has an abnormal position. A Pieve was usually built outside the walls of the towns. Under its facade, it is possible to admire hundreds of Pecciolesi gazes photographed and then reproduced on rectangular panels of various sizes... #tuttitaly
The Pieve of San Verano, located in the charming countryside of Valdera, is an unusual example of a medieval parish church. Unlike other churches, which were usually built outside the walls of towns, San Verano stands majestically on the main square of Peccioli as if to emphasize its religious power.
The church was built between the late 11th and early 12th centuries and is dedicated to Verano of Cavaillon, a 6th-century Provençal bishop and town patron saint. According to legend, the saintly bishop, during his journey to Rome, passed through Peccioli and freed the village from the plague, earning the gratitude and devotion of its inhabitants.
The façade of the church features a five-arch blind arcade, typical of the Romanesque-Pisan style. Inside, there are several valuable works of art to admire. Among these, the paintings by the 17th-century Florentine painter Jacopo Vignali and a Madonna with Child and Saints by Neri di Bicci from 1464 stand out.
The church also houses the Museum of Sacred Art, which preserves the most significant works of the area. Among these, a Madonna with Child from the first half of the 12th century by Enrico di Tedice and an altarpiece depicting Saint Nicholas created by Michele di Baldovino in the second half of the 13th century are noteworthy.
But one of the most exciting works is under the church's façade.
It is a contemporary artwork created by Vittorio Corsini. The artist photographed hundreds of gazes of the residents of Peccioli and reproduced them on rectangular panels of various sizes. This installation creates a unique and engaging atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect with the local community and perceive the energy and vitality of the place.
The Pieve of San Verano is a place of great charm and spirituality, combining history, art, and tradition. Visiting this church means immersing oneself in a unique atmosphere and discovering the cultural and artistic richness of Peccioli and Valdera.
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