Villar San Costanzo is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Cuneo in the Italian region Piedmont , located about 70 kilometres (43 mi) southwest of Turin and about 15 kilometres (9 mi) northwest of Cuneo . As of 31 August 2007, it had a population of 1,474 and an area of 19.5 square kilometres (7.5 sq mi).
7-578: Sights to see in Villar San Costanzo include the natural reserve known as Ciciu del Villar ; the Abbey built in early 700 AD; and the very ancient church of San Costanzo al Monte, a stunning example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture dating back to the 12th century. The town takes its name from Saint Constantius , a soldier of the Theban Legion , who is said to have been beheaded at the spot now occupied by
14-559: A local saint about whom nothing was really known. According to tradition, Constantius survived the decimation of his Legion and fled to the Val Maira, today in the province of Cuneo , with some other survivors. These included Constantine, Dalmatius, Desiderius, Isidore, Magnus, Olympius, Pontius, Theodore, and Victor. They dedicated themselves to preaching the Christian religion, but all of them, except for Constantius, were soon killed by
21-449: A marble slab bearing vermilion symbols and worn down by the hands of the faithful. Constantius' cult became popular, with a pilgrimage to Villar by the faithful taking place every year. Tornabuoni, bishop of Saluzzo , declared Chiaffredo patron of his diocese during a synod of 1516, with Constantius as co-patron. Statues of Chiaffredo and Constantius can be found in the altar of the cathedral of Saluzzo . Due to his connection with
28-500: A sanctuary dedicated to him was built, known as San Costanzo al Monte. This sanctuary probably dates to Lombard times; some eighth century sculptures remain. The sanctuary was rebuilt and altered in succeeding centuries, and the stone church was completed in 1190. A Baroque façade was added later. The Benedictine abbatial church of Santi Vittore e Costanzo, also in Villar, conserves some important archaeological remains, including
35-478: Is twinned with: Constantius (Theban Legion) Constantius ( Italian : San Costanzo ) is venerated as a member of the legendary Theban Legion . Similar to the cults of Chiaffredo at Crissolo , Bessus at Val Soana , Tegulus at Ivrea , Magnus at Castelmagno , and Dalmatius at Borgo San Dalmazzo , the cult of Constantius was linked with that of the Theban Legion to lend antiquity to
42-525: The Roman authorities. Constantius buried his companions. The local geologic formation known as Ciciu del Villar , which are columns formed by natural erosion, was connected with Constantius' legend: the stones are said to be the Roman soldiers sent to kill him, who were miraculously petrified before they could harm the saint. According to tradition, Constantius was eventually beheaded on Monte San Bernardo, where
49-431: The sanctuary of San Costanzo al Monte. The local geologic formation known as Ciciu del Villar , which are columns formed by natural erosion, was connected with Constantius' legend: the stones are said to be the Roman soldiers sent to kill him, who were miraculously petrified before they could harm the saint. Villar San Costanzo borders the following municipalities: Busca , Dronero and Roccabruna . Villar San Costanzo
#386613