Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church of Santiago de Bonifacio, of elongated plan with a nave and two sides, ends with two semicircular apses. From the 11th century it belonged to the Benedictine Abbey of San Benigno of Genoa. A notarial act of 1238 attests the importance: a resident of Bonifacio chooses her burial. The building received many gifts over centuries, emphasizing its central role in local religious life. A chapel, whose date of addition remains unknown, was joined to the church, explaining the presence of the two apses in the east.

In 1839, according to the Genius archives, the church was transformed into a food store. A floor was added and bread ovens were installed in the apses. This change of function marked a break with its initial religious use. After restoration work, the building is now used as an exhibition and conference room, preserving its architectural heritage while adapting to contemporary uses.

Ranked among the Historical Monuments, the former church of Santiago and the adjoining building were registered by decree of 22 April 1994. This status protects its characteristic elements, including the apses and medieval structure, witnesses to its turbulent history between sacred and secular.

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