The Church of San Leonardo is located in the small and charming village of Contile, a hamlet of the municipality of Varsi, in the province of Parma. The church is located on a promontory that offers a splendid panoramic view of the Val Ceno, a natural landscape that enchants those who observe it.
History of the Church
The origins of the Church of San Leonardo date back to the 14th century, with the first documentation mentioning it in 1352. At the beginning, the church was a chapel subordinate to the parish of Varsi. In 1520, the structure obtained autonomy becoming an independent parish. Between 1787 and 1794, it underwent a renovation that gave it a neoclassical style, with the addition of new architectural elements. In the 19th century, the sacristy and the bell tower were added, while in the 20th century the church was further restored and enriched with the side chapels.
Architecture
The architecture of the church is simple but evocative. The facade is made of exposed stone, with a rectangular portal and an upper window that gives brightness to the interior. The interior of the church is a Latin cross, with Doric pilasters decorating the walls. The vault is adorned with frescoes dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. In addition, inside you can admire some valuable paintings, which testify to the religious and artistic history of the area.
Contile and the Church of San Leonardo
Contile is an ancient village, which was mentioned as early as 1028 and which today stands out for its picturesque views and the charm of its history. The Church of San Leonardo is also linked to the figure of the poet Francesco Zanetti, who was born in the nearby court of Carpadasco and was baptized in the church of Contile in 1870. Today, the rectory of the church has become a cultural center known as PoetiCa', a meeting place for poets and mountain enthusiasts.
How to Get There
The Church of San Leonardo is located in Contile, in the province of Parma, and is easily reachable from both Varsi and other locations in the Ceno Valley.
Address: Church of San Leonardo, Contile, 43050 Varsi (PR), Italy
GPS coordinates: 44.6381° N, 9.6973° E
If you are in the area, a visit to the church will allow you to immerse yourself in a quiet corner rich in history, where art and nature blend together in a unique atmosphere.
