Pieve di Sant’Antonino a Socana
In Castel Focognano the ancient holy place where three civilizations crossed their paths
The Pieve di Sant’Antonino a Socana is the protagonist of a history that began 2600 years ago and has witnessed the passage of three civilizations: the Etruscan, the Roman and finally the Christian.
Located in the municipality of Castel Focognano, the parish church was restored between the 1960s and 1970s. On this occasion, an ancient Etruscan temple was found behind the church, an archaeological find of considerable importance dating back to the 5th century BC. The building was dedicated to Tinia and Menerva (corresponding to Jupiter and Minerva) and, not far away, there was an altar accessed by a flight of steps, the remains of which are still visible today. In the altar, almost five meters long, bones and animal teeth, which were sacrificed here, came to light. In addition, antefixes (decorative roof elements) were found which were made of colored terracotta and in the shape of Minerva's head, fragments of pottery and stone blocks with carvings: these materials are on display at the Museo Archeologico di Bibbiena and the Museo di Arezzo.
Between the 8th and 9th centuries AD, a first Christian church was built on the ruins of the ancient temple: various modifications followed over the years, until in the 12th century it was given its present appearance, in the Romanesque style with an interior plan of three naves marked by decorated pillars.
Despite having a simple and bare appearance, the parish church still evokes undoubted charm, with valuable archaeological evidence representing different eras and cults.
