It stands on an area formerly called Lesina, named after the stream that flows through it, where there was a small settlement that disappeared in the Middle Ages, however.
The apses of this church are today portrayed in the coat of arms of the municipality of Bonate Sotto.
Looking at the facade of the Basilica, you will notice a small white pyramid placed on the capital of the column to the left of the central arch: underneath, there is a precious urn of uncertain date.
It is attributed by some to Roman times, while for others it holds the remains of Tiziana, the 12-year-old daughter of Longobard Queen Theodolinda.
The inscription on the urn is marred by chisel blows, but the letters read, “RO…. TI…NAE QUAE VIXIT ANN. XII. M.VII D. XIII.”
But other mysteries are enclosed in this basilica.
For example: an “ourobos,” that is, the serpent biting its tail, is carved on the three funerary monuments located in the right minor apse.
This symbol is related to alchemy, and it encloses a butterfly that symbolizes metamorphosis-what does it have to do with the Catholic religion?
