Loro Ciuffenna - Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina

The Pieve di San Pietro a Gropina is located on a hill in the hamlet Gropina, that meanwhile belongs to Loro Ciuffenna. A chapel existed here already in the 4th century.

Soon after Charlemagne had donated the area to the Nonantola Abbey, Benedictian monks erected a church here end of the 8th century. The church of today was probably built within the 12th century. At that time this was one of the wealthiest parish church with the diocese, having about 30 depending churches.

The nave is flanked by pillars, that all have sculpted capitals. The capitals of left and right side differ in style. Within some decades two workshops have worked here. Maybe even more.

The remarkable pulpit is based on a knotted pillar, is a striking piece of art. Some scholars attribute it to a "Master of Campione" (or a workshop).

This workshop created as well some of the capitals.

The wolf to the right is holding (devouring) something, that may well be the shank of a lamb. This is surely connected to the (from this pov not visible) left side of the capital, as there is a a wolf chasing a lamb.

The principal side depicts a sow suckling four piglets. I have never such an icon inside a church. Is it an (heathenly) icon for fertility? Some see this as a symbol of "Mother" church nourishing the pious believers.