VIVA - New Active Tourism Itineraries in Villanova

The church dedicated to San Leonardo (St. Leonard) of Limoges, a hermit who lived during the sixth century, has non-documented structure that can be dated back to the sixteenth century. It adopts the ground-plan characterised by a single aisle with side chapels and a quadrangular presbytery. The original appearance of the monument was significantly altered during the late eighteenth century. Despite that, it is possible to appreciate the internal space of the building, marked by diagonal arcades characterised by pointed arches, with side chapels that are also accessible via pointed arches. Two of the side chapels still preserve valuable eighteenth-century polychrome wooden altars. One of these keeps the venerated image of the Virgin of Interrios.

The façade, which is the result of different restoration works carried out in 1960 and in 1996, presents a “double inflection” crowning element. Enclosed by corner pilasters, space is divided horizontally by cornices and vertically by pilasters occupying the two lower sections. A simple entrance portal faces the lower mirror; aligned with the entrance is a rectangular window.