Established in 1961 in a temporary garage. After various changes to architectural designs by Luciano Lullini the church was built between 1963-73 and consecrated by Cardinal Poma in 1974. It’s a modern structure with many unorthodox features eg, no symmetry to the design, unusual seating, shared space with community and school. Art work is scarce.

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Chiesa di San Eugenio Papa Photos

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About Chiesa di San Eugenio Papa

The new parish of San Eugenio Papa was established by Cardinal Giacomo Lercaro in 1961 but before the church could be built the congregation had to hold mass in a temporary garage. Between 1963-1973 designs and plans were drawn up by the architect Luciano Lullini and eventually this purple coloured building was constructed. On the lower level here is the oratory and crypt very unlike the old traditional ones for these modern rooms have little character or styles and are actually shared for community events.

Also at this level is the Caterina De Stefani play school for young children. Cardinal Poma consecrated the church in 1974

At the time it was said of its general design and layout which incidentally, had underwent various changes before its final completion, that the church was in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Certainly its external colour may not reflect its countryside location but there is definitely a greater feeling of this harmony from the odd shapes and designs both inside and out.

Another fascinating aspect here is the unusual furniture. Again, this is appears to be another dramatic change in attitude or could it simply be economics at work? The seats are basically flat benches rather than the normal back supporting ones found in most other churches. What’s more they seem to have no fixed position therefore the floor arrangement is flexible.

There is no continuity or symmetry which clearly reflects not only a dramatic change from orthodox architecture but a real attempt to bring the whole community together. As stated earlier the spaces underneath the church here are for local groups and include a gym with many uses and a school.

The white theme too is quite a statement. The internal décor lacks warmth and appears to have more in common with churches in much hotter climes.

There is little of any original art work inside however there are a few pieces by a local artist called Rossi Merighi. This wooden sculpture of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns, by an unknown artist, is probably the most ancient since it dates to 1800. Past this unusual baptistery font are another couple of art pieces hanging on the walls by Merighi dating to 1991 and 1996 respectively. They illustrate biblical scenes.

San Eugenio Papa is not alone in this district and actually shares the parish title with the ancient church of Santa Maria Assunta di Casaglia in the nearby hills above here.