Pieve del Thò
The Pieve di San Giovanni in Ottavo, at the eighth mile of the Roman road: one of the oldest Romanesque churches in Romagna.
Its official name is Pieve di San Giovanni in Ottavo, because it stands at the eighth mile of the Roman road that climbed from Faenza up the Lamone valley towards Tuscany. Thò is the local dialect form of ottavo (eighth). Legend attributes its foundation to Galla Placidia; the building you see is Romanesque, dating from around the year 1000.
You enter three naves divided by columns and pillars, all different, many reused: pieces of Roman columns, ancient capitals, stones taken from older buildings. Beneath the presbytery there is a crypt, and on the walls frescoes from different periods emerge.
It is immersed in the countryside, just outside Brisighella, among vineyards and clay ravines. The silence and the light filtering through the narrow windows make it one of the most evocative places in the valley.
You can reach it in a few minutes by car from the village, towards Marradi. It is still a working church: if you find it closed, ask at the Pro Loco in Brisighella.
Don't miss
- The reused columns, all different
- The crypt beneath the presbytery
- The surrounding countryside, with views over the hills
- PeriodX-XII century
- Opening hoursChurch open during the day, free admission; discreet visits during services. Information Pro Loco di Brisighella 0546 81166.
- Phone+39 0546 81166
- AdmissionFree
- Time neededabout 30 minutes
Official site Call Send a postcard
Opening hours and phone numbers read on the official sites on 14 October 2026. They change with the seasons and holidays: always check before you go.
Getting to Brisighella
Romagna Transfer brings you here from the airport, the station or your hotel, with a driver and no parking worries.
Book your transferService by Romagna Transfer. Their site opens.
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