Small Church, Big View

 One of our regular morning walks takes us from Panicale to Paciano, a nearby village. We have enjoyed (well, struggled along the ups and downs of the road, cursing the entire way... ) this walk for many years now, and I feel as though I know each and every turn, pullout, view, etc.

  It wasn't until last year, though, that we took an up close and personal look at the little church and convent about halfway along the walk. On that visit, we were escorted through by the caretaker.

  On this trip, we found the doors open when we visited, and just walked about on our own.

  This big white building that you see from the road is now apartments, and must have been the convent, I think. Now I think it's for the caretakers of the property.

  There is a small sign that indicates an historical sight.

  You have to go down the short dirt road, past the big cross….

It's said that the indents in the stone at the base of the cross
are from nuns kneeling and praying here.

  As you come around a corner at the bottom of the road, you see that there really is a small church here.
  It's not always open, but there is someone around most days who will open it for you to see. On this day, the doors were open, so we just went right in.
 

A very simple entrance.

Beautiful inner doors...

Small, but lots of impact.

  I have looked this place up, and can't find much information, other than that it was a convent and one of the oldest houses in the area. Here is what it says online:

the Church of San Salvatore in Ceraseto, which is believed to have been built on the ruins of a pagan temple and features a fresco of the artist Caporali;

And:

The Santissimo Salvatore is one of the oldest surviving churches in Paciano. It is believed to be one of the oldest churches in the entire area, and perhaps Paciano’s first church. A glass panel in the floor next to the altar allows visitors to see what is held to be the remains of a pre-Christian temple, suggesting the church may have been built on the site of an even more ancient place of worship.

  

  We were both pretty amazed at just how ornate this tiny gem is.  

There are two very 'old school' confessionals.
I spent many a Saturday doing time in something like this.

Plenty of flying babies.

  The main fresco behind the alter was painted by Giovanni Battista Caporali, and it is in 'ok' condition. An impressive artwork for this very off the beaten track place.

  

  

  There are only a few pews, and I'm not sure if they even hold services of any kind here.

  Again, it's hard to find information about this one.

  But I would say it's worth a visit, if you are in the area and find the doors open...

  Oh, and the view….you can't beat a small church with a big view….