Basilica di San Vicinio

The basilica of Sarsina is dedicated to Santa Maria Annunziata and is the sanctuary of San Vicinio, the town's first bishop, who lived between the 3rd and 4th centuries. The Romanesque building dates back to the 11th century, has three stone naves and an intimate, austere atmosphere.

The reason pilgrims have been coming here for centuries is the chain of San Vicinio. According to tradition, the saint prayed with an iron chain around his neck to which a heavy stone was attached; the chain is kept in the basilica and priests use it to bless the faithful, placing it on their shoulders, against ailments of body and spirit.

Sarsina is a small town but with an enormous history: it is the birthplace of Titus Maccius Plautus, the Latin playwright, commemorated by the statue in the square and by the classical theatre festival that stages his comedies in summer. A few steps from the basilica is the National Archaeological Museum.

Combine the basilica with the museum and the historic centre: in half a day you'll see both Roman and medieval Sarsina. The saint's feast day, at the end of August, is when the largest number of pilgrims arrive.