In Montichiari on Tuesday 22 September, the autumn equinox will illuminate the Pieve di S. Pancrazio: at sunset, sunlight will enter through the rear bifora and strike the central apse, the two side apsidioles and the front monofora, forming a cross on the vault.
The Romanesque church will be open to the public from 16:30 to 19:30 for free visits, hosted by volunteers coordinated by MontichiariMusei in collaboration with the Municipality. Between 18:00 and 19:00, when the light phenomenon is expected to be most visible, art critic and painter Ezio Soldini will illustrate the history of the Pieve, with musical accompaniment by the duo Andrea and Fabio Montecolle.
Erected around the second half of the 12th century on much older foundations, the Pieve is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of Lombard Romanesque. Inside are the frescoes of S. Pancrazio a cavallo, a damaged work by the Romanino dating to around 1527, a Sacra Famiglia by Callisto Piazza dating to around 1530, and a Baroque chapel dedicated to S. Carlo. Entry is free, and the event will be cancelled in case of bad weather; since 2020, the Pieve has also hosted religious wedding celebrations following authorization from the Bishop of Brescia, as part of the Montichiari Summer 2026 programme.
Italian Version
