San Donnino Martire Church
Montecchio Emilia
Just a short walk from the castle of Montecchio Emilia, the Parish Church of San Donnino stands majestically, a silent witness to centuries of history and devotion.
Its origins date back to the early centuries of Christianisation in the Po Valley: as early as the 9th century, a primitive oratory existed under the control of the Bishop of Reggio.
Dedicated to the deacon Rainaldo, the parish church is first mentioned in a document from 991 and in 1233 officially became part of the diocese of Parma as the “Plebis di Monticulo”, to which numerous oratories in the surrounding area were attached.
Between 1596 and 1600, the building was rebuilt along with the bell tower, whilst the rectory was constructed in 1613.
The current structure is in the Baroque style, featuring a Tuscan order and a basic plan with three naves, the central one being higher and ending in a semicircular apse.
The 18th-century façade welcomes visitors with a tympanum-topped niche housing the statue of Saint Donnino the Martyr.
Inside, the ribbed vault punctuated by rectangular pillars, the 19th-century wooden choir by the Brindani cabinetmakers, and the Chapel of the Most Holy, decorated by Augusto Mussini in 1903, bear witness to the artistic evolution of the centuries.
The 18th-century altarpiece by J.B. Le Bel depicts the patron saint, whilst a precious 15th-century painting, recently restored, bears witness to the parish church’s oldest artistic tradition.
Contacts
Via Franchini, 47 - 42027 Montecchio Emilia (RE)
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