Church of San Michele in Colognora Valleriana

The Church of San Michele is the sacred building of Colognora Valleriana, a small village of Villa Basilica rich in characteristic corners that rises on a rocky spur at 560 metres and with just over 100 residents.

The medieval origin of the church has been attested by the information we find in a document of 760 that recalls its consecration by Bishop Peredeo of the Diocese of Lucca.

The structure has undergone various reconstructions and modifications over the years, including the vast expansion work of the 16th and 18th century when the third nave was added and it took on its current shape.

The most important work it houses is a “Circumcision” by Tiberio Franchi of 1632. There are also a 15th- century Crucifix, a wooden sculpture with the Saints Rocco and Sebastiano at the side of the Crucifix, a 14th-century processional cross laminated in silver and the 16th-century portal.

There is also a bell tower, not very high but sturdy, of interesting and unique workmanship for its centre with unhewn stones and the small wall belfry at the top.

Finally, a curious note on the village of Colognora Valleriana: its dialect, spoken today by very few residents, presents a complexity that is constantly the subject of deep linguistic studies.