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
Church of Saints Peter and Hilary
Amid the ancient walls of Castiglion Fibocchi stands the Church of Saints Peter and Hilary, a silent guardian of centuries of faith and history.
Its origins are lost in time: as early as the 13th century, the church appears in ecclesiastical records as the spiritual heart of the castle, closely tied to the rural parish of San Quirico in Alfiano. At a time when many churches in the Diocese of Arezzo were in poor condition, this one stood out for the solidity of its structure and for housing the baptismal font—symbol of Christian rebirth—which was transferred here first from the church of San Quirico, and later from the church in Pezzano.
In the 17th century, the church was officially recognized as a parish, marking its growing importance in the life of the village. Within its walls rests Marquis Alessandro Dal Borro, a distinguished local figure who died in 1656 during a military campaign against the Turks—his legacy still echoes in the community’s memory.
Time, however, did not spare the old building. By 1847, as the population grew and the church's proximity to the cemetery raised hygiene concerns, the decision was made to demolish the original structure.
A new church was built just outside the medieval walls, carefully preserving a precious 15th-century fresco, which was removed and reinstalled during construction.
The bell tower, built in the early 1800s atop a medieval tower, still tells the story of the town. Before it, a modest bell gable held two historic bells—one cast in 1273 and the other in 1466.
In 1929, with great community enthusiasm, a new façade was constructed to mark the signing of the Lateran Pact between the Holy See and the Italian Government. Thanks to a design by engineer Ubaldo Cassi and the dedication of local citizens, the church was unveiled with a renewed façade on October 12, 1930, ready to welcome worshippers and visitors alike.
Today, stepping into the Church of Saints Peter and Hilary is like taking a journey through time—where ancient memories, enduring faith, and the devotion of a community that has cared for this sacred space across the centuries all come together.