In the picturesque village of Varzi, nestled in the hills of the province of Pavia, stands an architectural and spiritual jewel that captures the attention of anyone who crosses its threshold: the Church of San Germano. With a history unfolding through the centuries and an artistic richness that enchants the eye, this place of worship is an important heritage for the local community and a point of interest for visitors in search of beauty and spirituality.
Architecture and History
The parish church of San Germano has its roots in Varzi‘s distant past. Built between 1584 and 1620, this majestic structure replaced an ancient 14th-century oratory dedicated to San Salvatore, which belonged to the noble Malaspina family. The church‘s architecture is imposing and striking, with a Latin cross plan that includes a spacious single nave and three side chapels. The façade, dating back to the 19th century, is distinguished by its elegance and sobriety, with a 20th-century fresco depicting San Germano adding a unique artistic touch.
Art Treasures
Upon entering the Church of San Germano, one is surrounded by a rich artistic heritage that testifies to the cultural and spiritual richness of the area.One of the highlights is the chapel dedicated to the patron saint of Varzi, St George, where you can admire a valuable painting from 1860, attributed to the painter Michele Cusa, depicting St George defeating the dragon. But the real treasure of this chapel is a relic of St George‘s arm, kept in a reliquary that the citizens of Varzi founded in 1946 as a sign of gratitude at the end of the war. This relic is carried in procession every year during the patronal feast on 23 April.
Other artistic masterpieces enrich the interior of the church, including the baptistery in white Carrara marble created in 1886 by Arturo Bardi, an example of sculptural mastery. The altar of Saint Anthony Abbot and Saint John the Evangelist, adorned with a prestigious altarpiece commissioned by Abbot Malaspina in 1846, captures the eye with its beauty and iconographic richness. In addition, the painting of the Madonna del Carmine from the end of the 16th century, located in the first chapel on the right-hand side of the church, is another noteworthy artistic gem.
A Place of Faith and Devotion
The Church of San Germano is not only an art museum, but also a place of deep faith and devotion for the community of Varzi. The patronal feast dedicated to Saint George is a much-awaited and heartfelt event in the village, which brings the faithful together in an atmosphere of joy and spirituality. During the celebration, the saint‘s relic is carried in procession through the streets of the town, symbolising the deep bond that unites the community to its religious history.
In conclusion, the Church of San Germano di Varzi represents a precious artistic treasure and a spiritual reference point for the local community. With its thousand-year history and rich collection of works of art, this church continues to inspire and fascinate those who approach it, offering them a unique experience of beauty and contemplation.
