Saint-Vincent St. Vincent Parish Church

In the heart of our region lies a church built in the 11th century by the Benedictines, a magnificent specimen of Romanesque architecture that encompasses centuries of history, art and faith.
This sacred place is not only a monument to spirituality, but also an archaeological site that offers a unique glimpse into the area’s Roman past.
A Window to the Romanesque and Roman Past Historical Overlays and Restorations The present church stands on what was once a Roman building from 300-400 AD, perhaps a large patrician villa or public building with a sophisticated heating system.
During restorations between 1968 and 1972, thermal structures were discovered that indicate the building’s pre-existing use as a spa.
This archaeological site can be visited, offering visitors a rare opportunity to literally walk through history.
Architectural Evolution The architecture of the church itself is a palimpsest of styles and eras, with later additions and modifications telling the story of aesthetic and functional changes.
Originally lacking vaults, which were not added until 1696, the church has undergone numerous changes, including the addition of large windows and a pointed arch over the altar.
An Interior of Striking Contrasts The Pictorial Decoration The interior of the church is striking for the stark contrast between the sobriety of its structures and the richness of its pictorial decoration, especially in the apse area.
The oldest frescoes date from 1416 and are the work of Iacopo Jacquerio or his school.
Later, in the 15th century, Giacomino da Ivrea enriched the triumphal arch with a cycle of Doctors of the Church, saints and prophets.
Filippo da Varallo, towards the end of the 16th century, then added further decorations that were partially preserved and restored in the 1970s.
Romanesque Crypt and 8th-century Capitals The crypt under the apse, a mystical underground chapel divided into three small naves, preserves stone columns supporting capitals dating back to the 8th century.
This place, of great historical and spiritual value, offers an atmosphere of peace and meditation.
Museum of Sacred Art No less important is the museum of sacred art located in the left aisle of the church, which houses wooden sculptures, processional crosses, reliquaries and other liturgical objects dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Prominent among them is the 15th-century polychrome St. Maurice, a testament to the region’s sacred art.
An Invitation to Discover and Reflect Visiting this Romanesque church is not only an excursion to a place of beauty and history, but also an opportunity to reflect on the cultural and spiritual continuity that connects the present with the past.
It is an invitation open to all who are interested in discovering the deep roots of our culture and experiencing the tranquility that only a place so rich in history can offer.