The Church of Saint Gotthard and Saint Mary Magdalene in Follo dates back to the 15th century: on the west façade of the building, the date 1477 die 19 iulii is clearly visible.
The name of the little village refers to the ancient activity of wool fulling practised by the inhabitants of this area.
Inside, on the left, there is a beautiful series of eight saints frescoed in the 15th century by an artist known as the “Maestro di Fol”, recognisable by the precise outlines of the figures traced with a dark brush, the calligraphic rendering of the numerous details and the sparse and almost rough effect of the faces. The cycle of frescoes clearly depicts St. Gotthard and St. Magdalene, the patron saints of the church. A blood-drenched Christ stands out, expressing intense drama.
St. Gotthard can also be seen on the exquisite altar frontal dating back to 1748.
After admiring the paintings, as you leave, look up and to your left: a peculiarity of this church is the presence of many crutches donated as votive offerings by pilgrims and sick people who had been healed through the intercession of the holy bishop.
The decoration on the lintel of the portal is enigmatic, featuring a compass, set squares, a saw, a bird and pincers, elements that suggest a reused artefact.
The little church is surrounded by a low fence, and in late summer you can admire the wonderful blossoming of an ancient aster.
Opposite the church, on the other side of the road, you can still see an ancient wash house.
In Roman times, there was already a port and a ferry near the village of Nave, which allowed people to cross the Piave River, connecting the Veneto plain with the Valbelluna through the Praderadego Pass. This transit role may be the reason for the devotion to Saint Oswald of Northumbria, to whom the church is dedicated.
September 20–December 19: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM and 2:30 PM–6:00 PM
December 20–January 6: Daily (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) 10:00 AM–12:30 PM / 2:30 PM–6:00 PM
January 7–June 14: Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 AM–12:30 PM / 2:30 PM–6:00 PM
June 15–September 20: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM / 3:00 PM–7:00 PM
Full price: € 5.00
Reduced rate: € 3.00 (for school groups, children and teens ages 6 to 19, and college students)
Reduced rate: € 4.00 (for residents of the Municipality of Borgo Valbelluna, seniors over 65, TCI members, and groups of at least 12 people)
During temporary exhibitions, a combined ticket is available at a discounted price.
Borgo Valbelluna
Piazza Papa Luciani, 3
32026 Mel BL
© 2022 Comune di Borgo Valbelluna | C.F. 01225000254 | Credits web: ofprojects.com photography: robertodepellegrin.com
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