THE CHURCH OF SANTO STEFANO PROTOMARTIRE IN MARINASCO

View of La Spezia from Biassa
View of La Spezia from Biassa

First mentioned in 950, the church in Marinasco is positioned in one of the most privileged spots in the Spezian Gulf. The current construction retains no trace of its original structure. Its appearance is predominantly gothic, although it is possible to discern a certain Romanesque influence. The oldest part only dates back to the 13th century, and the most important reconstruction works took place in the 15th and 18th centuries. A large part of the reconstruction works were necessary due to the fact that the church is positioned in a geographically precarious location. Between 1780 and 1784, a new bell tower was built in order to strengthen the structure of the building. Unfortunately, the buildings façade was demolished as a result of this new construction.
The main bulk of the building is made of sandstone, although marble has been used in certain areas. The southern most entrance consists of a pointed arched doorway, flanked on either side by two ornate brackets. The one on the left is sculpted in the form of a beast, whilst the one of the right depicts Agnus Dei being threatened by another beast. Just inside the entrance is a stoup dating back to 1436.
The interior of the church is divided into three aisles. The original structure of the building featured three apses, of which the central one has now been converted into a vestibule with a pointed ceiling. The main altar is among one of the most precious works of art housed in the church. Decorated in the baroque style, it features brank-ursine tufts and winged puttos. The church also boasts a 14th century copy of Giovanni Pisano’s Madonna con Bambino. The original is now housed in the Diocesano della Spezia Museum. The organ is an 1822 Serassi.

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Marinasco
La Spezia churches