The Church of San Bartolomeo in Villadossola, one of the most splendid examples of Ossola Romanesque style, dates from between the 10th and 12th centuries and stands at the entrance to the Antrona Valley, just outside the town of Villadossola.
Its present appearance is the result of a long series of alterations: all that can be seen of the original construction is the upper part of the side walls, the east side with the semicircular apse and the 34-metre high bell tower. The first historical reference to the church is contained in a document dating from 1289, in which it was said to be dedicated to the Saints Fabiano and Sebastiano, invoked as protectors against the plague. Only from the mid-14th century was it dedicated to San Bartolomeo, patron saint of Villadossola, celebrated on 24 August.
Originally it was built with only the nave, terminating in a semicircular apse; over the centuries it has undergone numerous alterations to adapt it to new liturgical needs up to the final transformation, during the 16th century, into a church with a nave and two side aisles. A cross and mysterious zig-zag decorations are engraved on a slab of stone from the original building, now placed in the lunette above the entrance.
Since the consecration of the new church in Villadossola dedicated to Cristo Risorto (Risen Christ), the Church of San Bartolomeo is no longer used to celebrate daily mass, but certainly remains a symbol of the town and one of the most fascinating Romanesque places of worship in the whole Ossola Valley.
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