The early Romanesque Parish of the Saints Cornelius and Cyprian is one of the most significant in Lunigiana, and, in our opinion, one of the most charming.
It is placed at an important junction of a variation road of the Via Francigena.
It was inhabited already during the Roman age and it was a “pagus” (rural administrative and religious district, with a specific organization, ruled by powerful figures, by local magistrates with legislature).

A short history:
the first building dates back to 7th century; fallen into ruin it was rebuilt in 12th century and renovated in 14th century after a landslide. The bell tower (17th century) is the latest element if we exclude the apse, recently rebuilt.
During the excavation, under the floor, an octagonal immersion font was founded together with the basement of a defence tower in the nave; it should demonstrate that in the past it was a fortified church.

Now a suggestion:
visit the parish at sunset when the light enters through the narrow windows: the play of lights and shadows enhances its beauty and evocative power.

For more info:
www.terredilunigiana.com: pieve di Codiponte
wikipedia: Pieve dei Santi Cornelio e Cipriano