The little rural church of Prada Bassa is named after Saint Bartholomew, and appears to date back to the 1500’s. The saint is depicted on the altarpiece at the feet of the Virgin Mary and Child.
It may seem odd that the church of Prada Bassa, where the Saint Michael festivities are celebrated, is not dedicated to the archangel. It is instead named after Saint Bartholomew, who, for the local people here, is the saint of pigs.
Pigs once meant a lot to farmers and their families. They represented the only meat reserve during the harsh winter season. Therefore, healthy pigs meant survival for many people.
The church is located on a path that has always been used by those traveling from the lake up to Monte Baldo’s pastures.
Da: Angelo Peretti: “Far San Michél
La fiera di San Michele a San Zeno di Montagna e le tradizioni dell’alpeggio e dei formaggi del Monte Baldo”
The church
The interior is simple and modest, with a so-called rural-Romanesque style. The floor plan is rectangular, with a single nave.
On one side there’s a small sacristy, with a bell tower in the rear.
“Far San Michél La fiera di San Michele a San Zeno di Montagna e le tradizioni dell’alpeggio e dei formaggi del Monte Baldo”
Angelo Peretti
