Restoration work has been completed on one of the “stops” along the Via Francigena mentioned by Sigeric in his diary. Work is due to begin shortly on the external redevelopment of the park and the creation of a dual-lane footpath.
The Parish Church of Saints Pietro and Paolo in Coiano has been restored to its former glory. The restoration of the entire monumental complex, described by Sigeric in his diary as one of the ‘stops’ along the Via Francigena, has now been completed. This fine example of a Romanesque parish church can finally be visited by tourists and the many walkers who follow the ancient route each year. And plans are already underway for the next phase of works, due to start shortly, which will involve the redevelopment of the entire surrounding outdoor area, including the refurbishment of the park and the creation of a dual pedestrian path, designed to provide a harmonious and accessible link between the parish church and the car park and the equipped rest area, available for tourists.
The restoration work and the new project were presented this morning at Coiano Castle (an accommodation facility located near the Pieve) during a press conference organised by the Municipality of Castelfiorentino and the Fondazione CR Firenze, which has been involved for many years in the restoration and renovation of the Pieve, as part of a vision for local development that combines the protection of historical and artistic heritage, sustainable tourism and local identity.
Speakers included the Mayor of Castelfiorentino, Francesca Giannì; the Vice-President of the Fondazione CR Firenze, Maria Oliva Scaramuzzi; Don Maurizio Volpi (parish priest of the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Coiano); the Councillor for Culture, Franco Spina, as well as technical experts and designers (Engineer Manrico Padovani for the Municipality of Castelfiorentino and Architect Giulio Ridolfi of CRSV Architetti Associati).
As you may recall, the parish church of Coiano – owned by the Diocese of Volterra – has undergone various works over the years, supported by the Fondazione CR Firenze. These works initially focused on securing the building (the bell tower and roof), before moving on to the actual renovation and restoration of both the façade and all interior elements (flooring, fixtures, altar, decorations, baptismal font, etc.), work recently completed with the refurbishment of the striking entrance ‘staircase’.
At the same time, the Municipality of Castelfiorentino (which, under a loan-for-use agreement, had already built a car park and a designated parking area for tourists) has begun the planning stages for the redevelopment of the outdoor area, in consultation with the Superintendency, which – given that the area, like the Pieve, is subject to heritage restrictions – must grant prior authorisation. The new project, with an estimated cost of €230,000 (of which €115,000 is funded by the Fondazione CR Firenze), involves the creation of two footpaths within the park, which will allow those using the car park or the equipped rest area to easily reach the steps or – in the case of people with reduced or impaired mobility – directly to the main entrance of the Pieve, using a stairlift for this purpose. On both routes, there will be the option to take a detour to a ‘place of tranquillity’, a circular space in the middle of the olive grove, offering an opportunity for rest, contemplation and reflection. Finally, the park will be redeveloped with a more orderly arrangement of trees and shrubs, in order to enhance the visual appeal of the entire monumental complex. The entire project will be completed in spring 2027.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Castelfiorentino has launched a tourism promotion programme, starting with free public access every second Saturday of the month, from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. (The first is scheduled for Saturday 11 April), offering the opportunity to enjoy ‘experiences’ on the second Saturday of the month (10.00–11.00 am) through historical and artistic guided tours organised by the tourist office, with the participation of an expert restorer who will explain all the restoration work carried out to date (cost €15, reservation required: info and bookings +39 0571 629049; ufficioturistico@comune.castelfiorentino.fi.it). A programme of events is also being organised within the parish church, which is sure to feature a concert as part of “Castelnuovo Fest”, the festival along the Via Francigena taking place at the end of September.
“The project presented this morning,” emphasises the Mayor, Francesca Giannì, “marks a turning point in making the Pieve di Coiano fully accessible; it is one of the official ‘stops’ along the ancient Via Francigena, a heritage site that brings together culture, spirituality, art and history. Thanks to this substantial investment, we are finally able to consolidate and make the entire site accessible, whilst simultaneously creating a ‘Via Francigena Park’ which will be maintained and promoted by the Municipal Council and the ‘Amici di Coiano’ group. This achievement has been made possible thanks to our collaboration with the Fondazione CR Firenze, which has demonstrated a keen sensitivity and closeness to our local area, and whom I would like to thank once again in the person of its director, Gabriele Gori.”
“The completion of the restoration of the Pieve di Coiano is a significant achievement for the preservation and enhancement of a site of great historical and cultural significance,” says Maria Oliva Scaramuzzi, Vice-President of Fondazione CR Firenze. “As Fondazione CR Firenze, we have wholeheartedly supported this project, helping to restore to the community a symbolic site linked to the Via Francigena. Our commitment continues today with our support for the redevelopment of the outdoor area, because enhancing a heritage site also means making it more accessible and user-friendly. It is a project that looks to the future and brings together heritage, hospitality, sustainable tourism and local development.”
FACT SHEET
The parish church of Saints Pietro and Paolo in Coiano is mentioned by Sigeric in his diary (“Sancte Petre Currant”, meaning Saint Pietro in Coiano) as a stopping place along the Via Francigena during his return journey to his episcopal see in Canterbury between 990 and 994 AD. It was the main centre of communal life for the rural populations of the area in the early Middle Ages, organising the spiritual life of the community through prayer and celebration.
The building has a basilica-style plan, with two distinct sections corresponding to different periods of construction: the first phase, in sandstone, is the oldest and comprises the lower part of the façade, whilst the upper part was built in brick at a later date (probably following a collapse), giving the parish church a rather original and striking appearance. The apse belongs to the first phase of construction, in perfect Romanesque-Lombard style. The interior of the parish church is divided into three naves separated by two rows of six columns supporting round arches.
