The parish church of Borgoratto Mormorolo , known as the Parish Church of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, is an important place of worship dating back to the Middle Ages. Its history has its roots in the parish church of Mormorola, an agricultural settlement that belonged to the Lombard monastery of San Colombano in Bobbio. Over the centuries, the building has undergone various renovations and extensions, but still preserves some elements that testify to its original Romanesque architecture. After a complete restoration in the 20th century, the church has a reconstructed Romanesque portal and the original 12th century capitals. In addition to its architectural features, the church also houses works of art and artefacts that tell of its rich history.
A testimony to history and architecture
The Parish Church of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian is a fascinating religious building with a single nave. Inside there are valuable frescoes dating back to 1920, painted by the Alessandria artist Rodolfo Gambini These works of art, painted on the walls of the building, represent an important example of the sacred art of the period and add to the artistic and cultural value of the church. Inside the parish church there is also a 17th century wooden statue of remarkable workmanship, a precious object of worship for the faithful.
Architectural elements and religious artefacts
In spite of the changes it has undergone over the centuries, the Pieve dei has preserved some features of its original architecture. An important example is the bell tower, on the north side, where a small white marble head of a Roman statue is walled in. This architectural detail provides a link to the past and underlines the historical importance of the building.
In addition, in the southern wall of the modern parish, some walled in fragments of the pre-existing Romanesque church can be seen.
Conservation and cultural value
The parish church of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian underwent major restoration work during the 20th century that preserved and brought back its original beauty. Thanks to these interventions, the church has been safeguarded and made accessible to the public, allowing the faithful to admire and appreciate its historical and artistic importance.
In addition to its architectural value, the parish church also represents an important centre of worship for the local community.
The church is also a point of reference for scholars and lovers of history and art. Its architectural features and decorative elements offer points of research and study to better understand the evolution of Romanesque architecture in the area.
History
From the Lombard period, the area was under the control of the monks of the powerful monastery of Bobbio, founded at the beginning of the 7th century by Saint Columbanus, an Irish monk, thanks to the donation of land by the sovereign Agilulf. At that time the area was a link between the capital of the kingdom, Pavia, and the Ligurian coast. Abbot Wala, in a short text dated 833-835, mentions Memoriola (Borgoratto Mormorolo) as one of the most important settlements belonging to the monastery of Bobbio. In another document, Memoriole is described as an excellent place for the production of grapes and wheat.
