Ancient church of Santa Maria
Resort: Villeneuve
Before you travel, consult the “Cultura a porte aperte” appto check the list of places actually available, since some of them may not be visitable for religious functions or restoration maintenance interventions.
How to visit the site using the automated system:
-create your account on the website Cultura a porte aperte by filling in the required information and accepting the privacy policy;
-you will receive an email to activate your account: click on “Activate account”;
-log in to the portal with your credentials and complete your profile;
-verify your mobile phone number by entering the OTP code received via SMS;
-download the Cultura a porte aperte app on your smartphone from the Google Play Store or the App Store:
-log in to the app to book your visits.
You can access the church on foot, within the space of five minutes, from the road that unwinds from the bridge over the Dora Baltea.
The Romanesque style church, which is located at the foot of the medieval castle, was the seat of the parish until the end of the 18th century. The bell tower is a typical square shaped tower. During the digs carried out in the building, the remains of the ancient early-Christian church and the relative baptismal font were found.
The semi-circular shaped crypt, near the choir, dates back to the 11th century. Inside the church you can still admire important frescos from the 13th to the 16th century, as well as furnishings.
Visit the church by booking with the “Cultura a porte aperte” app: once you have downloaded the app you must register. When on site at the selected time, just frame a QR code to open the church door and to start the “narrator voice”, combined with a lighting system of the artistic details. At the end of the visit, the door closes automatically.