Originally founded as a castle chapel dedicated to St Michael Archangel, the church of San Pietro Apostolo in Montecatini Alto became the town's main parish church in the 12th century. Located at Piazza della Fortezza #7 within the Diocese of Pescia, the building assumed the parish duties of the older rural church of San Pietro in Neure and underwent major rebuilds across the centuries.
What to see
The facade is fronted by a massive medieval tower, which originally served as the apse head of the 12th-century Romanesque church. Extensive alterations in the 17th century were followed by an 18th-century project led by architect Antonio Zannoni, who expanded the interior into three aisles while incorporating original Romanesque columns. The choir features an Ascension of Christ by Santi di Tito. Along the aisles, visitors can examine the Martyrdom of Saint Margaret, an early canvas by Agostino Melissi brought from a former church, and the Martyrdom of Saint Barbara by Orazio Titi, son of Santi. The church also holds a Conception by Ranieri del Pace and two marble altars crafted by Marco Moretti. Inside the church museum sits a reliquary of Saint Barbara, attributed to Benvenuto Cellini or one of his followers.
Visiting
Situated in the upper town of Montecatini Terme, the church allows visitors to explore its layered architectural history and view its collection of altarpieces, structural fragments, and museum pieces.
Our editors' tip
Pay close attention to the placement of the medieval tower at the entry: understanding that it once stood at the apse end helps illustrate how the entire orientation of the Romanesque church was flipped during later re-buildings.