Lizzano in Belvedere - San Mamante

Behind the pretty new Neo-Byzantine parish church (see previous uploads) stands this round building, erected by Lombards after in 751 King Aistulf had conquered the Exarchate of Ravenna and so ended the Byzantine influence here. This rotunda, named "delubro", was erected mid 8th century, when the area had been transferred to the Nonantola Abbey.

It is claimed locally, that this is the most ancient stone monument in the whole Province of Bologna. It was probably used as a baptistery first. In the 12th century it was used as the base of the bell tower - and remained so upto 1951, when the old tower was demolished.

The rotunda is not exactly round, but has an elliptical floorplan (4,40 m x 3,85 m). The door was open... The building has a small apse, where the white bench is.

It looks like a little gazebo, where neighbours meet in the evening to have a chat and a glass of wine.