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Pieve di Santa Maria di Venelia: A Serene Sanctuary

Discover the serene Pieve di Santa Maria di Venelia in Massa and Carrara, a historic church offering peace, reflection, and architectural beauty.

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The Pieve di Santa Maria di Venelia, or Church of Santa Maria Assunta, is a captivating Catholic church located in Pieve di Monti. Rich in history, the church showcases stunning architecture and offers a tranquil escape into a world of peace and reflection for pilgrims and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Pieve di Santa Maria di Venelia

  • Pieve di Monti, Province of Massa and Carrara, 54016, IT

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Respect the quiet atmosphere; it's a place for reflection and worship.
  • Check for any local events or services that you may want to attend during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Aulla, head southwest on SP66 towards Pieve di Monti for approximately 10 km. Follow signs to Pieve di Santa Maria di Venelia as you approach Pieve di Monti. Limited parking is available near the church. Note that the roads leading to the church are narrow and winding.

  • Public Transport

    From Lucca, take a bus to Pieve Di Monti Di Villa; the journey takes about 38 minutes. Alternatively, from Bagni di Lucca, a bus to Pieve Di Monti Di Villa takes approximately 17 minutes. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date timings. From the bus stop in Pieve di Monti, it is a short walk to the church.

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Discover more about Pieve di Santa Maria di Venelia

Nestled in the serene landscape of the Province of Massa and Carrara, the Pieve di Santa Maria di Venelia stands as a testament to faith and history. Documented as early as the end of the 10th century, the church, also known as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, has evolved through the ages, with significant reconstruction in the 18th century that reoriented its axis. This transformation integrated the original 12th-century semicircular apse into one of the side walls, blending Romanesque foundations with Baroque aesthetics. Once a vital stop for pilgrims and travelers journeying from the mid-Magra valley towards the Apennine passes, the church's location was of great significance. The name 'Venelia' possibly derives from an ancient Ligurian or Celtic deity, marking the area as a sacred site long before the church was erected. Today, visitors can admire the harmonious blend of nature and spirituality, with lush greenery and scenic hillsides enveloping the church. The interior features beautiful stained-glass windows that cast mesmerizing colors across the sacred space. The bell tower houses three bells, historically significant for surviving wartime requisition in 1943 and now rung electrically since 1964. The surrounding area has also yielded discoveries of ancient stele statues, further underscoring the area's rich historical tapestry. Whether seeking spiritual solace or cultural enrichment, the Pieve di Santa Maria di Venelia offers a rewarding and contemplative experience.

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