On the occasion of the annual opening, we went to visit a little-known gem, the oratory dedicated to San Genesio and San Geminiano.
Travelling along provincial road 21, just before reaching the Mignano dam, one glimpses the small building on the other side of the Arda stream,
If you come from Lugagnano, a well-marked small road on the right leads to the hamlet of Mignano (about 1 km).
Park at the entrance to the village and continue on foot to the oratory.
Of particular interest are its astonishing frescoes, very well preserved.

A bit of history:
Characterized by its gabled façade, the oratory dates back to the 12th century, when pilgrimages along the Via Francigena and the Via dei Monasteri Regi were frequent.
Built on a sacred site, as demonstrated by Lombard tombs found in the area, it stands on the remains of an earlier church.
The frescoes are very interesting, recently restored.

A note:
The oratory is normally closed, except on the first Sunday in September, when the parish priest of Vernasca celebrates mass in honour of the patron saint.
To visit it, ask for information at:

Comune di Vernasca
tel.+39.0523.891225

or better at:

IAT Castell’Arquato
iatcastellarquato@gmail.com
tel. +390523803215
fax. +390523803563

For more info:
www.visitaltavaldarda.it: piccoli oratori nascosti in alta val d'Arda
visitpiacenza.it: Mignano oratory
wikipedia: lago di Mignano