Church of Saints Michael and Radegonda (Chiesa dei Santi Michele e Radegonda)

Highlights

Parish church built in the 19th century.

Of particular note is the Baroque bell tower dated back 1674.

The parish church of St. Michael and St. Radegonda dates back to the 19th century and was built on the site of the earlier, of ancient foundation.

In fact, it is known that the ancient church, probably erected by the Montafia family, already existed in 1570-71, as recorded in the apostolic visitation of Monsignor Della Rovere, bishop of Asti.

At that time the curate habitually resided in Maretto, except that in 1661 Roatto was constituted as a parish with the prior title.

The event favored, just a year later, the construction of the new church, executed under the direction of master builder Carlo Luigi Vanello from Lugano, of which today, with the 1888 modernization, only the beautiful Baroque bell tower (1674) remains.

Still on site, leaning against the back wall of the right aisle, is the wooden altarpiece of the Most Holy Rosary surrounded by the fifteen Mysteries painted on panel; from an inscription on the cymatium we learn that it was executed in 1682.

In the center of the carved altarpiece, within a niche, is still preserved the statue of St. Radegonda, dating to the following century.

Not as lucky, however, was the altarpiece of Our Lady of the Belt with St. George, sold by the then parish priest, Don Giuseppe Negro, promoter of the new church.

In the early 20th century the last furnishings were commissioned (including the organ by the Gandini firm of Varese, the baptismal font, and the marble altar of the Rosary), and between 1944 and 1945 vaults and walls were decorated by Nino Parlato of Racconigi and Piero Dalle Ceste of Turin.