Chiesa di Santa Croce

Built in the 12th century, but restored in 1856 and 1957, this church’s Romanesque facade is quite simple. Cream and red terracotta stones give it an almost cottage feel and you can’t help but smile at the flowering pot plants by the door – lovingly tended by Semproniano‘s parish priest.

But it’s a whole different story when you walk through the worn timber doors. Beautifully polished trusses with a sense of grandeur cover the roof and black and white 18th century marble run down the walls in a neo-Gothic pattern. It’s quite spectacular and you’re left wondering how such a magnificent and big church could have been squeezed into such a quaint exterior.

Keep an eye out for the 16th century depiction of La Pietà and a Renaissance font carved out entirely out of vivid green travertine.

The faded, but still extremely expressive wooden crucifix that also adorns the walls was made in the Middle Ages and is honoured every 25 years with a solemn, day-long celebration.

Photo by Matteo Vinattieri via Wikipedia Commons.