Pianoro
Subject: Religious buildings
Toponym: S. Giacomo Maggiore
Type: Church
Municipality: Pianoro
Locality: Pianoro Vecchio
Description
Starting from the 12th century, along the most important road from Bologna to Tuscany, a number of hospitali were built, their function being to provide accommodation to wayfarers and pilgrims crossing the Apennines.
This building, in an old "hospitale" annexed to the church, was dedicated to Saint James, the patron of pilgrims.
The church was renovated in 1750 and probably underwent a significant change in appearance, without losing, however, the front portico, a typical feature of places designed to welcome wayfarers, who could take shelter there from the elements.
The portico, open at the sides as well, follows a Serlian-type arrangement of the openings, topped by an ample facade area perforated by a large window in the middle.
An unusual feature is the lack of architraves over the empty spaces of the portico, adjacent to the central one, marked by a polycentric arch.