Chiesa di San Eufemia
A Romanesque gem in Piacenza, often closed but accessible Saturdays thanks to dedicated volunteers, showcasing centuries of art and architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Open thanks to volunteers
Chiesa di San Eufemia
Best Time
Open thanks to volunteers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Romanesque gem in Piacenza, often closed but accessible Saturdays thanks to dedicated volunteers, showcasing centuries of art and architecture.
"A Romanesque jewel of rare beauty, well worth a visit thanks to the wonderful volunteers."
🎯 Saturday Volunteer Hours
Visit on Saturdays between 1-4:30 PM to see the church, thanks to dedicated Touring Club volunteers! :ticket:
🏛️ Appreciate Romanesque Roots
Look for the Lombard Romanesque architecture, especially the facade and portico, after Baroque elements were removed. :building_construction:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Distinctive Portico
Entrance
Admire the unique portico, a key feature of the church's medieval facade, restored to its original Romanesque glory.
Mosaic Floor Fragment
Near the pews
See the sole surviving original mosaic featuring a dragon, a remnant from when the floor level was altered.
Chapel of St. Augustine
Interior
Explore the 16th-century chapel, saved for its rich and beautiful ornamentation, a testament to later artistic periods.
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Planning Your Visit
Visit with Touring Club Volunteers
Discover Lombard Romanesque Style
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Insider Tips
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🎯 Saturday Volunteer Hours
Visit on Saturdays between 1-4:30 PM to see the church, thanks to dedicated Touring Club volunteers! :ticket:
🏛️ Appreciate Romanesque Roots
Look for the Lombard Romanesque architecture, especially the facade and portico, after Baroque elements were removed. :building_construction:
🖼️ Art & Relics Inside
Discover valuable paintings from the 16th-17th centuries and relics, including those of Saint Euphemia. :museum:
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Located near the city center, it's easily reachable on foot or by car. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Saturday Volunteer Hours
Visit on Saturdays between 1-4:30 PM to see the church, thanks to dedicated Touring Club volunteers! :ticket:
🏛️ Appreciate Romanesque Roots
Look for the Lombard Romanesque architecture, especially the facade and portico, after Baroque elements were removed. :building_construction:
🖼️ Art & Relics Inside
Discover valuable paintings from the 16th-17th centuries and relics, including those of Saint Euphemia. :museum:
🚶♀️ Easy to Access
Located near the city center, it's easily reachable on foot or by car. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Chiesa di San Eufemia as a Romanesque jewel, often highlighting the dedication of Touring Club Italiano volunteers who make visits possible on Saturdays. The church's historical architecture, unique portico, and interior artworks are frequently mentioned as highlights, offering a glimpse into Piacenza's rich past.
"Interesting church dedicated to Sant'Eufemia, seen in conjunction with the anniversary of the same, on September 16. Assisted in the visit by the excellent guide Federica V, who illustrated the history and artistic assets kept inside. From October 28, 2023 the church will be open to visits from 1 pm to 4.30 pm, thanks to the Aperti per Voi by the volunteers of the Touring Club Italiano of Piacenza, usually closed, except for the Holy Mass at 5 pm on Saturday. The commitment of the volunteers of the TCI of Piacenza of the Emilia Nord Club is also expressed in the Cathedral from 12.30 to 3.30 pm, in Santa Maria in Cortina from 1 pm to 6.45 pm."
Giovanni
"One of the oldest churches in Piacenza, contemporary with the more famous San Savino. Built in Lombard Romanesque style between 1091 and 1107, it was "modernized" in the 17th and 18th centuries with side chapels and many Baroque decorations, no longer visible today, having been removed between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Piacenza was undergoing a Romantic revival, which also restored this church to its original medieval appearance. Its distinctive feature is the beautiful portico at the entrance. Inside, there are many valuable paintings."
Alessandro Mantelli
"The Basilica of Sant'Eufemia, one of the oldest in Piacenza, can be visited every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM by volunteers from the Italian Touring Club. A Romanesque jewel of rare beauty, it's well worth a visit.
Afterwards, a pre-holiday parish Mass is celebrated at 5:00 PM."
Fausto Opizzi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chiesa di San Eufemia is conveniently located near the heart of Piacenza. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the city center, or by car. Parking availability may vary depending on the time of day.
Information on wheelchair accessibility is limited, but given its historic nature, it's advisable to contact the church or Touring Club Italiano for specific details regarding ramps or accessible entrances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The church is typically closed except for Holy Mass on Saturdays at 5 PM. However, it is open for visits from 1 PM to 4:30 PM on Saturdays thanks to volunteers from the Touring Club Italiano.
There is no mention of an admission fee for visiting during the volunteer-staffed hours. Donations are often appreciated at historic sites.
The best time to visit is on a Saturday afternoon between 1 PM and 4:30 PM when the Touring Club Italiano volunteers are present to allow visitors inside.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Chiesa di San Eufemia is a prime example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, built between 1091 and 1107. While it underwent Baroque modifications, it was later restored to its medieval appearance.
Inside, you can find valuable paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, a unique large wooden altar, and the Chapel of St. Augustine. Don't miss the fragment of the original mosaic floor depicting a dragon.
While not always scheduled, visitors have reported excellent experiences with guides like Federica V, who provided detailed historical and artistic insights. It's worth inquiring with the Touring Club volunteers upon arrival.
The church is dedicated to Saint Euphemia, and her relics are kept behind the main altar. The anniversary of Saint Euphemia is celebrated on September 16th.
📸 🖼️ Photography
Photography policies can vary in churches. It's generally advisable to be discreet and avoid flash photography, especially during services. Check for any posted signs or ask volunteers for guidance.
The distinctive portico at the entrance offers a great photographic opportunity. Inside, the Chapel of St. Augustine and any visible artwork can also make for compelling shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's a place of worship, so encourage respectful behavior. The church's location near the city center makes it an easy addition to a family's walking tour of Piacenza. Consider bringing a small notebook and crayons for kids to sketch what they see, turning the visit into a creative activity.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
The interior houses significant artworks, including paintings attributed to the school of Leonardo da Vinci and other artists from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Chapel of St. Augustine is a particular highlight for its ornate decoration. The presence of relics, including those of Saint Euphemia, adds another layer of historical and religious significance to your exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Evolution
The Romantic revival of the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a push to return many buildings to their perceived original medieval appearance. This movement led to the removal of the Baroque elements, revealing the underlying Romanesque structure once more. The facade, in particular, was restored to a medieval style, and the interior pillars were also returned to their original form. This process of restoration, led by figures like Camillo Guidotti, aimed to preserve the church's historical integrity and showcase its Romanesque roots.
Today, visitors can appreciate the layers of history visible in its architecture. The distinctive portico at the entrance is a highlight of its Romanesque period, while the surviving 16th-century Chapel of St. Augustine offers a glimpse into a later, richly decorated era. The church's furnishings and paintings also reflect a mix of periods, often collected by parish priests over time, adding to its eclectic charm.
The Role of Touring Club Italiano
In Piacenza, TCI volunteers are instrumental not only at San Eufemia but also at other significant locations like the Cathedral and Santa Maria in Cortina. Their commitment ensures that these cultural treasures are not lost to the public. For Chiesa di San Eufemia, this means the church is typically open for visits on Saturdays from 1 PM to 4:30 PM. This dedicated time allows visitors to explore the church at their own pace, often with the added benefit of volunteers who can share insights about its history and art.
This partnership highlights the importance of community involvement in heritage preservation. Without the efforts of these volunteers, many visitors might only see the exterior of such beautiful churches. The TCI's work ensures that the history and artistic assets within Chiesa di San Eufemia can be appreciated by a wider audience, making a visit a truly enriching experience.
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