In the heart of the fascinating lands of Lombardy, where history and architecture come together in an evocative interweaving of millenary suggestions, the Basilica of San Marcello in Montalino rises majestically. This ancient sacred place, located a short distance from the town of Stradella, enchants visitors with its aura of mystery and grandeur, while telling millenary stories of faith, devotion and redemption.
A Journey through Time: Origins and Splendour
The origins of the Basilica of San Marcello date back to the 11th or 12th century, although there are no certain data on the precise date of its foundation. It is said that the site on which the present basilica stands may have originally been a place of worship already during the reign of the Lombard king Liutprand in the 8th century. However, the first documented evidence of its existence dates back to 1322, when the basilica already assumed the role of parish church of the Borgo di Stradella.
During its heyday, the basilica was a focal point for the local community, serving both the population around the Rocca di Montalino, a possession of the Bishops of Pavia, and the new settlement of Stradella, which developed around the year 1000. Its Lombard Romanesque architecture, with its three naves separated by round arches and decorated apses, testify to the skill of the craftsmen of the time.
The Decline and the Redemption: From 1500 to Today
However, from the 16th century, with the construction of a new parish church in the Borgo di Stradella, the Basilica of San Marcello entered a period of decline. It became a simple oratory and was abandoned and neglected over the following centuries. Even during the 19th century, when it was recognised as a national monument, its condition remained precarious.
It was only in the 20th century that the slow but determined process of recovery and restoration of the basilica began. In 1901, the Municipality of Stradella purchased the building with the intention of preserving its historical and artistic heritage. However, it was not until 1933 that a proper restoration programme began, culminating in 1958 with the complete recovery of the structure and internal and external decorations.
An Architectural Jewel: Characteristics and Attractions
Today, the Basilica of San Marcello in Montalino stands proudly as a jewel of Romanesque architecture, a tangible witness to nine hundred years of history and culture. Its gabled façade, the apses decorated with terracotta and brick arches arranged in a saw-tooth pattern, the remains of medieval frescoes and the exterior decorations bear witness to the artistic and spiritual richness that characterised life in the ancient village of Stradella.
To visit the Basilica of San Marcello is to immerse oneself in a journey through time, in a world where faith and art intertwine in a timeless dialogue. It is an experience that leaves an indelible imprint in the memory of anyone who has the privilege of crossing its sacred threshold.
