Crypt of San Lorenzo church in Varignana
The first documents about Varignana date back to November 17th of the year 999.
Since the beginning of the second millennium, Varignana was an important and strategic location for pilgrims of the way to Rome.
San Lorenzo Church, probably existing prior to building of Varignana castrum, was almost completely demolished by the war, but the crypt was preserved. The crypt was described by writer Calindri as an underground church, ancient place of worship that could even date back to Roman times.
Located in the undergrounds of the church, the crypt has three naves and is located in the pre-Romanic architectural style of IX and X century. Inside, a fresco from XV century is still preserved.
Before the war, the access to the crypt was through two sets of stairs in the central nave of the church, while today there is only one entrance. Still visible are the traces of the old access, where today is preserved Madonna and child statue, probably a copy of the original piece by Jacopo Della Quercia.
In the side chapel, considered the most ancient part of the crypt due to the presence of selenite boulders, the vaulted ceiling is remarkable with bricks drawing a Greek cross. Notable are also the decorations and column capitals.
The crypt was fully restored in 1999.
