VIA SAN GIACOMO AND CHURCH OF SAN MARTINO, Presentation

At the highest point of the town, you’ll find three little churches in a row on the one street: Via San Giacomo.

I suggest you start your visit from the Church of San Giacomo, at the end of the crag that looks down over the valley of the Marta river. From this point you can catch a glimpse of Monte Argentario and the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.

This 12th-century building has a Latin cross ground plan, with three apses, and a low cupola inspired by Arab architecture, because of the relations Corneto entertained with Norman Sicily. The ceiling inside features cross vaults, in line with the local Lombard-style tradition.

Now press pause and press play again when you reach the Salvatore Church.

This single-nave church also dates to the 12th century. It is a clear example of local architecture, similar to the Church of San Martino, which I’ll be telling you about soon, with the usual hanging arches and single-light windows, decorated all over with intricate weave patterns. Frescoed on the single apse is a Blessing Christ from the second half of the 15th century....