• SAN MARTINO OF TIGNANO

• Via Tignano 56, 40037 Sasso Marconi

• under the Parish of Saint Christopher of Mongardino

• Already inhabited in Roman times (accounting for the probable origins of its name, derived from Attinius), during the Middle Ages, the area was owned by the famous Canossa family. They granted vassalage of it to the lords of “Tignano” who, after the death of the countess Matilda (1115), attempted to gain autonomy. In 1366, on the list of Bolognese churches, there were three separate parishes in Tignano dedicated respectively to Saint Martin, Saint Mary and Saint Nicholas. In the 16th century they were united into a single parish. The current structure, dedicated to Saints Martin and Nicholas, was remodeled in 1883-84. Curiously the church does not have a bell tower, but its belfry is located on a hilltop and can be reached by a 90-step staircase. Five hundred meters to the east, on another hill, stands the oratory of Saint Mary, perhaps in homage to the former parish church.