When the cows fly-Chiesa Santa Maria della Strada

Someone very dear to me declaimed once that Italy is on its best by night when allthatneeds to be fixed can not be perfectly seen or noticed. It is very humorous and very provocating way to say that there is beauty everywhere and restorers will always find a job here. Well, one of the materials that seems to have the resistance against the time is stone, in its various forms. Waterflows, earthquakes and time can take down a painting and colours , but a stone-build church will stand its ground, lets say forever.

Forever started in XII century when this little and so very tenderly cosy church was build. La chiesa Santa Maria della Strada is situated in countryside in the middle of the fields that still produce grain and the church is surrounded by very neat and clean green area. There is a perfecty cut Wimbledon-style green court, lovely trees that produce all kinds of fruits, birds singing and butterflies dancing in the air. It is peaceful and beautiful.

The church itself is about breathtaking tiny beauty. It is a very small church and in all the weddings half of the guest need to stay outside, because there is not enough room for all inside.

The main entrance is the best part. Here come the cows. Two cows ran from the wall towards everyone facing the entrance. They are placed high above all the other decorations, one on the right and one on the left. Above them there is relief or a statue of an eagle and above it only sky. Blue sky and clouds. There are no saints or angels and maybe this is why all the sinners can easily feel themselves accepted. It is like cows were inviting you for a lovely little spiritual dinner. Come on, You are invited. We all need to eat, and grow and live in peace and exist in all our Maslowian-needs. This church is about food. A soulkitchen.

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