Panico and the Parish of San Lorenzo Martire

Panico is located between the Sàvena River and the Reno River, it was the site of a "castrum" of the powerful Panico counts around the year 1000. This place strongly opposed Bologna, especially through the actions of Count Ugolino, who supported the Visconti influence over the Apennines. The ancient castle is no longer present, except for two bas-reliefs preserved at the Marzabotto museum.

The parish dedicated to San Lorenzo Martire has a Romanic style and still features a beautiful semi-circular apse, remarkable decorations and capitals.

The history of the church is linked to that of the Panico counts. It is first mentioned in the middle of the XI century but its origins might be older. It was built near the castle of the counts that was on the other side of the river Reno. Since the middle ages, the two river banks were linked by a bridge, guarded by a person. In the XX century the church was restored and some of its Romanic features were restored as well.
The façade is partly modified and has stone decorations. The interior has a nave on each side of the main aisle, supported by stone columns; it is quite sober and features some original decorations and capitals. The presbytery plutei and part of the main door were remade in the XX century. The semi-circular apse is remarkable and features three single lancet windows, of which the central one is beautifully decorated.