The Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio is the jewel of the charming village of Someglio, a hamlet in the municipality of Brallo di Pregola. The building is immersed in an enchanting landscape and the church has fascinated visitors with its architecture and hidden treasures for generations. Next to the building stands a beautiful Romanesque bell tower with which it forms a fascinating architectural complex.
Very popular and beloved by the population, it is considered the oldest parish church in the area, although there are no precise documents to confirm this. It is true that its strategic position along the salt and spice trade routes from Genoa to Milan makes it of great historical importance.
The exterior
From an artistic point of view, the building has preserved its original appearance, with the recently restored façade, where the beauty of the exposed stonework is in perfect harmony with the Romanesque bell tower, a jewel of rare beauty, covered with slabs of local stone. The architectural style recalls the influence of the Malaspina family, who left their mark on the area. Also characteristic are the two porticoes that border the area of the church and the old cemetery.
A single nave and a stone altar
Inside the church one can admire a single nave and a floor made of local stones, which lend a unique charm to the ambience. The high altar, made of stone, is a focal point inside the church where two oil paintings can be admired. One depicts Saint Fermo, venerated on 9 August, while the other shows Saints Gervasius and Protasius, to whom the church is dedicated.
A particularly interesting element is the Crucifix above the altar, made of local wood and covered with a layer of plaster. Its precise date remains uncertain, but its presence lends an extraordinary aura of sacredness to the room.
The rediscovery of the baptismal font
During some archaeological excavations, interesting evidence was found. A baptismal font made of corroded local stone emerged, testifying to the antiquity of baptismal practice within the church.
Simple and imposing, the bell tower
The bell tower, a simple but imposing structure, rises about 14 metres. It has a square plan with sides about 3.40 metres long. The walls, made of drystone, are up to 90 cm thick at the base, remaining almost constant up to the top of the bell tower.
On each side of the tower, pontoon holes are clearly visible, although not perfectly aligned. These openings are about 100 cm above the ground, suggesting a possible raising of the floor level from the original one. Three embrasures are open on the southern side of the tower, while the belfry has openings with segmental arches.
Local stone
The church and tower are built using local stone, mainly limestone. This material is also used in the construction of cottages and houses in the area.
A medieval treasure that attracts tourists
The Church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius in Someglio is a medieval treasure that captures the imagination of visitors. A place where spirituality and art come together to create an experience beyond words. Its mysterious history, its evocative architecture and its connection to ancient trade routes make this place an important testimony of local history.
