Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo: Barga's Romanesque Heart

Discover Barga's Duomo: a stunning Romanesque church with Gothic influences, offering art, history, and panoramic views of the Tuscan landscape.

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Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo, Barga

The Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo, or Barga Duomo, is the main Roman Catholic church in Barga, Tuscany. Construction began in the 11th century and continued through the 16th, resulting in a captivating blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Perched atop a hill, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and stands as a testament to the town's rich history.

A brief summary to Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo, Barga

Via del Duomo, 1, Barga, Province of Lucca, 55051, IT
+390583723031

Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as the church is located at the top of a steep hill in the historic center.
Take time to admire the views from the church grounds; the panorama of the Serchio Valley is breathtaking.
Look for the cryptic inscription on the façade, a prayer to the Archangel Michael, and see if you can decipher its meaning.
Visit during a religious ceremony or cultural event to experience the church's vibrant atmosphere.

Getting There

Walking

From anywhere in Barga's historic center, the Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo is accessible on foot. Due to its hilltop location, be prepared for a moderately steep walk uphill. From Piazza Garibaldi, follow Via di Mezzo, then Via del Duomo. The walk takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on your starting point. There are no costs involved.
Public Transport

If arriving by train at Barga-Gallicano station, take the local bus (VaiBus, route Q05 or Q59) to Barga's city center. Get off at the 'Fosso' stop just outside the medieval gates. From there, follow the walking directions. A single bus fare costs approximately €1-2. Alternatively, a taxi from the train station to the church will cost around €15-20.
Driving

If driving, follow signs for 'Barga Centro Storico'. Limited parking is available near the historic center. From the parking area, the church is a short walk uphill. Parking fees vary, but expect to pay around €1-2 per hour. Free parking is available further from the center at Via Piero Gobetti, a five-minute walk to the old town. Be aware that access to the historic center may be restricted to residents only.

Discover more about Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo, Barga

Rising majestically above the charming town of Barga, the Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo is a captivating blend of architectural styles and historical significance. Construction of this prominent Roman Catholic church began in the 11th century, with work continuing into the 16th century, resulting in a unique fusion of Romanesque and Gothic elements. Built with white marble from local quarries, the church occupies a hilltop acropolis, offering picturesque views of the surrounding Serchio Valley. The west front presents a square wall with a castle-like bell tower, while the main Romanesque portal features semi-columns with carved lion capitals. Above, an arch adorned with leaf motifs adds to the intricate detailing. Notably, one façade block bears a repeated inscription—a prayer to the Archangel Michael, also found in other Tuscan churches. Inside, the church has a central nave and two lateral aisles. A highlight is the marble pulpit, attributed to Guido Bigarelli da Como (13th century), showcasing scenes from the Nativity. The Chapel of the Santissimo Sacramento features a terracotta altarpiece with the Virgin and St. Roch from the 16th century, while another chapel is dedicated to the Madonna del Molino, displaying a 14th-century image of the Madonna on a canvas depicting Barga around 1500. A polychrome wood statue of Saint Christopher, the town's patron saint, stands behind the main altar. The church's bells inspired Giovanni Pascoli, a poet who lived nearby, to write the famous poem 'L'Ora di Barga'. Today, the Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo stands as a must-visit for those seeking historical architecture, religious art, and panoramic vistas.

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Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo: Barga's Romanesque Heart

A brief summary to Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo, Barga

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Driving

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Discover more about Collegiate Church of San Cristoforo, Barga

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Villa Raffaelli

@GarfagnanaTuristica Info Turismo H24

Il Vecchio Mulino

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Rio Selvano

Garfagnanadream.it

Villa Bertagni

Via del Volto Santo

Recupero Fortificazioni Linea Gotica della Garfagnana

Agriturismo Braccicorti

San Romano Martire

Villa Reale di Marlia

Chiesa San Giovanni Battista e Santo Stefano

SEI Versilia - Sentieri, Eventi e Itinerari in Versilia

Unmissable attractions to see

Museo della figurina di gesso e dell'emigrazione "G.Lera"

Podere Còncori

Museo Linea Gotica Garfagnana

Hermitage of Calomini

Rocca Ariostesca

Mount Alfonso Fortress

Parco Avventura Levigliese

Ruderi di Bugnano

Canyon dell' Orrido di Botri

Ponte delle Catene

mulino fabbriche di vallico biologico

L'antico molino di Fabbriche di Vallico

Lucca Rafting

Casinò Municipale Ponte a Serraglio

Museo del Castagno Lavoro Vita Civiltà

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