Architecture

The building has a basilica with three naves, divided by columns and pillars, ending in a single semicircular apse, both inside and outside, which has a decorative arch, set to finely carved shelves, within which are embedded lunettes decorated with the typical Valdelsa motifs. The presbytery is raised above the nave.

La pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole, abside [2]

It is the product of several phases of construction, the oldest of which is the apse. The second, dating to the end of 12th century, regarded the system of the colonnade, while the arrangement of the side walls dates from the 13th century. The façade is made with regular joists in travertine and is the result of a restoration of the 1920s. Inside, the baptismal font (also in travertine) and parts of the 14th-century fresco are adorned with figures of saints.

The portal is surmounted by a bezel and a double, very elaborate mullioned window, above which is another, smaller window in the shape of a cross. To the left of the bezel, one of the stones forming the wall has an inscription that testifies to the date of consecration.

Capitello del portale della pieve di Santa Maria Assunta a Cellole - San Gimignano [1]

La Via Francigena

Mappa via Francigena in Toscana | Da Gambassi Terme a San Gimignano | Aggrandire mappa

Via Francigena | La decima tappa della Via Francigena toscana: da Gambassi Terme a San Gimignano | 13,4 km

Via Francigena in Toscana | La undicesima tappa della Via Francigena toscana: da San Gimignano a Monteriggioni | 31,3 km

 

Traveling in Tuscany| Holiday homes in southern Tuscany | Podere Santa Pia

 

Podere Santa Pia, situated in a particularly scenic valley

[1] Photo by Vignaccia76, licenziato in base ai termini della licenza Creative Commons Attribuzione-Condividi allo stesso modo 3.0 Unported
[2] Foto di Michele Piccardo, licenziato in base ai termini della licenza Creative Commons Attribuzione-Condividi allo stesso modo 4.0 Internazionale.