In an open area within a bend of the river Tergola stands this ancient rural church, one of the oldest in the area. On the inside walls is curious graffiti dating back to the Middle Ages, which was probably left by pilgrims or soldiers who passed through here.
Set on the banks of the river Tergola within the Tergolandia Nature Park, the ancient church of Santa Maria in Campanigalli – or Santa Maria Panigale – dates back to the eight/ninth century.
Nowadays, it is also known as the Church of the Alpini because, in 1980, the Campodarsego Association of the Alpini Regiments was very active in promoting its restoration.
Within the walls of this very simple structure one can see traces of the history the area: a trachyte millstone and some of the bricks dating from Roman times which even bear the original brickworks’ mark. On the facade there is another interesting feature: areas which demonstrate the use of ancient ‘herringbone’ patterning in the brickwork. On the interior walls there is also graffiti dating from the Middle Ages, which was probably left by pilgrims or soldiers who passed through here. Near the church run the nature walk and cycle path that follow the winding course of the river Tergola and take you past the various works of painting and sculpture that are distributed throughout the Tergolandia Park.
