HISTORY
The Romanesque parish church of San Prospero is located in Colecchio, a commune in the province of Parma, on a small hill overlooking the countryside. It was built in the 11th century in the Lombard Romanesque style, on the ruins of an ancient pagan temple. It was later dedicated to San Prospero, a Bishop who enjoyed a strong devotion in Reggio Emilia during the Middle Ages. According to several 14th-century sources, the Hospital of Santa Maria was quickly added to the parish church, run by the Capuchins and today home of the parish offices.
ART-HISTORICAL NOTES
The Romanesque parts of the church are difficult to distinguish today. There have been numerous interventions to the structure over the centuries that radically compromise its original appearance. The first restorations were in the 13th century: the expansion of the original plan and the construction of the raised choir, the three aisles, and the campanile. In the 15th century, there were further restorations, covering up the trussed roof, the construction of the vaults and the lateral chapels. In the 16th century, six chapels were added to the sides of the church, which were demolished in later restorations. The church did not undergo any further substantial restorations until 1922, when it was decided to restore the church to its original splendor. It was during that campaign that the façade was rebuilt, as well as a new Romanesque campanile, not attached to the church, and modeled on the tower at Parma’s Duomo. In 1935, the front was demolished and the old portal was inserted on the façade.
