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St. Elena |
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Built around the 11 th century, it is located on the village's periphery going to the direction of the fountain "sa funtana manna". The church, consecrated to St. Elena, is located on the namesake hill which dominates the historical centre. Even if this building is globed with the modern constructions, it still keeps its original characteristic of rural church. |
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| The building-history of this church can be classified in four main periods. First Period . Romanic-Pisan: the building has a Pisan influence. Second Period . 17 th century: the right side has been built and two barbicans per side were added. Third Period . 19 th century: the original portal was closed, a new altar was built and two new doors were opened: one on the place of an old apsis and the second on the right side. Fourth Period . 20 th century: restoration of the external part and of the garden around the church. In the initial phases the material used was ashlars of local tufa (dead stone) in squared blocks bounded with compo. During the last phase the material used was small calcareous stone. |
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EXTERNAL: Around the small church there are several old oaks, a small wall made of stone recently restorated and closed with a small gate. The side of the church which can be seen from the main street, in the past had also the main door, which was later made in the east side. Now you can still see the traces of the original door. You reach the entrance passing from the garden, from where you can also admire the landscape: the green mountains of St. Vittoria and a part of the old historical centre. The main entrance has in the centre a wooden portal with two small columns on its sided and two ancons which support the architrave; on the top there is a small cross which seems to be blazed on the stone. On the right side of the door there are the residues of the original apsis (probably). On the west side there is the only opening from which the light enters: a hole with a semicircular shape, inscribed in a triangular framework. The lateral buttress and the arbour-covering complete the aesthetic of the church, which is very enjoyable for its simplicity carved in the tufa. |
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| INTERNAL: The church has one aisle, the walls are white and the decorations are made of wood, the floor is made with a 'cotto' and the ceiling is 'incannicciato'. The atmosphere is really cosy and it invites people into contemplation, also because the light there is filtered by the solely opening situated on the altar. |
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