Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Collegiata di Santa Maria

A church existed here in 758. This church, dedicated to Mary, as well as the village were given to the Bishop of Piacenza by Lord Magnus in 789. The village stayed under the control of the Bishops for the next 430 years. This church got severely damaged by the earthquake in 1117. The rebuilding started soon after got completed in only five years. The consecration of the new building took place here in 1122. From the early years upto the time, when the "Canons Regular" moved in, this church was a "pieve", a parish church where people got baptised. Not all churches had that privilege. Around the cloister, where the Canons once lived, reading the Breviary, today is a little museum. One of the highlights exhibited here is a medieval crucifix.

A church existed here in 758. This church, dedicated to Mary, as well as the village were given to the Bishop of Piacenza by Lord Magnus in 789. The village stayed under the control of the Bishops for the next 430 years. This church got severely damaged by the earthquake in 1117. The rebuilding started soon after got completed in only five years. The consecration of the new building took place here in 1122. From the early years upto the time, when the "Canons Regular" moved in, this church was a "pieve", a parish church where people got baptised. Not all churches had that privilege. Around the cloister, where the Canons once lived, reading the Breviary, today is a little museum.

A church existed here in 758. This church, dedicated to Mary, as well as the village were given to the Bishop of Piacenza by Lord Magnus in 789. The village stayed under the control of the Bishops for the next 430 years. This church got severely damaged by the earthquake in 1117. The rebuilding started soon after got completed in only five years. The consecration of the new building took place here in 1122. The interior was pretty dim, lit only by a few candles, but there was a slot machine. To my surprise the machine was a cheater. It did accept the coins - but refused to switch the light on. This church got severely damaged by the earthquake in 1117. The rebuilding started soon after got completed in only five years. The consecration of the new building took place here in 1122. The interior was pretty dim, lit only by a few candles, but there was a slot machine, offering 5 minutes of light for only 50 cents. To my surprise the machine was a cheater. It did accept the coins - but refused to switch the light on. Only around the giant baptismal font, that was probably used (full immersion?) already in the 8th century, the light was better. From the early years upto the time, when the "Canons Regular" moved in, this church was a "pieve", a parish church where people got baptised. Not all churches had that privilege.

A church existed here in 758. This church, dedicated to Mary, as well as the village were given to the Bishop of Piacenza by Lord Magnus in 789. The village stayed under the control of the Bishops for the next 430 years. This church got severely damaged by the earthquake in 1117. The rebuilding started soon after got completed in only five years. The consecration of the new building took place here in 1122. The interior was pretty dim, lit only by a few candles, but there was a slot machine, offering 5 minutes of light for only 50 cents. To my surprise the machine was a cheater. It did accept the coins - but refused to switch the light on.

A church existed here in 758. This church, dedicated to Mary, as well as the village were given to the Bishop of Piacenza by Lord Magnus in 789. The village stayed under the control of the Bishops for the next 430 years. This church got severely damaged by the earthquake in 1117. The rebuilding started soon after got completed in only five years. The consecration of the new building took place here in 1122. The rebuilding process was is really fast, as the earthquake had damaged or destroyed many churches in the area and experienced workers had lots of jobs at that time. The large portico was probably added, when the Palazzo del Podestà, located on the opposite side of the piazza, was erected end of the 13th century.

A church existed here in 758. This church, dedicated to Mary, as well as the village were given to the Bishop of Piacenza by Lord Magnus in 789. The village stayed under the control of the Bishops for the next 430 years. This church got severely damaged by the earthquake in 1117. The rebuilding started soon after got completed in only five years. The consecration of the new building took place here in 1122. The rebuilding process was is really fast, as the earthquake had damaged or destroyed many churches in the area and experienced workers had lots of jobs at that time. Seen here are details of the central apse´s gallery. And some tired doves.

A church existed here in 758. This church, dedicated to Mary, as well as the village were given to the Bishop of Piacenza by Lord Magnus in 789. The village stayed under the control of the Bishops for the next 430 years. This church got severely damaged by the earthquake in 1117. The rebuilding started soon after got completed in only five years. The consecration of the new building took place here in 1122. Of course many alterations and additions followed over the next centuries. The campanile was added within the 13th century.