A mixture of valleys, landscapes and colours: San Giovanni looks almost like Harlequin, the Italian “Commedia dell’Arte” character traditionally close to these lands.
The village’s old town remained the same, with the ancient houses leaning one against the other, separated by narrow alleys.
Seven Romanesque bridges give the village its typical look: the view from the valley floor is amazing! Moreover, don’t miss the House of Harlequin, in the near hamlet of Oneta: a XV Century noble house in perfect condition where the figure inspiring the renowned stage character is said to have lived.
If you happen to visit San Giovanni Bianco during the two weeks before Easter, don’t miss an engaging and spectacular religious celebration: the “Festa della Sacra Spina” or the Day of the Holy Thorn.
The beautiful parish church has been guarding a relic of the Holy Thorn since 1495, brought by the knight Vistallo Pignoni to the village of San Giovanni Bianco after fighting in the battle of Fornovo sul Taro.
Every year, a multitude of people takes part in the celebration, during which the relic is carried in procession all over the village. During the night before, some amazing bonfires are lit, along with stunning fireworks, while the whole village is enlightened by thousands of candles and tealights.
A mixture of valleys, landscapes and colours: San Giovanni looks almost like Harlequin, the Italian “Commedia dell’Arte” character traditionally close to these lands.
The village’s old town remained the same, with the ancient houses leaning one against the other, separated by narrow alleys.
Seven Romanesque bridges give the village its typical look: the view from the valley floor is amazing! Moreover, don’t miss the House of Harlequin, in the near hamlet of Oneta: a XV Century noble house in perfect condition where the figure inspiring the renowned stage character is said to have lived.
If you happen to visit San Giovanni Bianco during the two weeks before Easter, don’t miss an engaging and spectacular religious celebration: the “Festa della Sacra Spina” or the Day of the Holy Thorn.
The beautiful parish church has been guarding a relic of the Holy Thorn since 1495, brought by the knight Vistallo Pignoni to the village of San Giovanni Bianco after fighting in the battle of Fornovo sul Taro.
Every year, a multitude of people takes part in the celebration, during which the relic is carried in procession all over the village. During the night before, some amazing bonfires are lit, along with stunning fireworks, while the whole village is enlightened by thousands of candles and tealights.
