Municipality of Castiglion Fibocchi
Piazza Municipio, 1 - 52029 Castiglion Fibocchi (AR)
Tel: +39 0575 1686
Fax: 0575 47516
E-mail: segreteria@comune.castiglionfibocchi.ar.it
PEC: c.castiglionfibocchi@postacert.toscana.it
Tax Code and VAT 00284440518
ARTIFACTS OF SAN QUIRICO
Exhibition Room of Artifacts from the Pieve of San Quirico in Alfiano
Next to the Carnival Museum of Castiglion Fibocchi, a small exhibition room preserves a precious yet lesser-known heritage: the archaeological artifacts from the Pieve of San Quirico in Alfiano. This quiet, intimate space serves as the archaeological and spiritual heart of the village, offering a direct connection to the historical and religious roots of the region.
The Pieve of San Quirico once stood just a few kilometers from the town, in the locality of Alfiano, along an ancient route connecting Arezzo, Fiesole, and Florence. Although today only ruins remain scattered among fields and woods, during the medieval period it was a key reference point for rural communities. Romanesque pievi like San Quirico were not just religious buildings—they played important administrative and social roles, serving vast agricultural and hilly areas.
The church was likely built between the 10th and 12th centuries atop a much older settlement, as evidenced by the artifacts uncovered there: Etruscan, Roman, and early medieval fragments that reveal a long history of continuous occupation. The church’s architecture must have been complex, possibly featuring a semicircular apse, a single (or perhaps triple) nave, and sculptural decorations now only partially visible through surviving fragments.
Located in the center of the village, the exhibition room allows visitors to appreciate these materials in a curated and accessible setting. On display are sculpted capitals, architectural fragments, column remains, Roman ceramics, votive and liturgical objects, and amphorae. Each piece is accompanied by captions explaining its function and origin—but what truly distinguishes the space is its atmosphere: soft lighting, silence, and the opportunity to observe the artifacts up close in a nearly contemplative experience.
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Among the most significant pieces is a capital decorated with vegetal motifs and stylized animal figures, dating to the 11th–12th century. These symbolic elements, typical of Tuscan Romanesque art, served a didactic and spiritual purpose, especially for those who could not read. Each decoration told a story or conveyed a sacred message.
In addition to the medieval artifacts, the room also houses Roman-era materials such as tableware and flooring tiles, confirming the historical and strategic importance of the Alfiano area. The site of the Pieve was chosen for both religious and practical reasons: it was fertile, well-connected, and rich in water.
This exhibition room represents a fine example of local heritage enhancement. It is the result of efforts by the municipality and community, determined to preserve and share a fragmented yet deeply meaningful legacy. This small archaeological museum offers a glimpse into the more ancient and profound side of Castiglion Fibocchi—rooted in Etruscan, Roman, and medieval history.
Looking ahead, the exhibition space could expand and become the starting point for archaeological itineraries focused on the Pieve, involving schools, visitors, and researchers.
