San Giovanni in Persiceto is an ancient village dating back to the early Middle Ages. The tower is the closest building to the defensive walls and was originally built in the 14th century, then rebuilt several times over the centuries. The town’s two main entrance gates are Porta Vittoria and Porta Garibaldi, which are connected by Corso Italia, a street running north to south through the town. Porta Vittoria, also known as “Porta di Sopra”, “Riminese” or “di Bologna”, was built in the 18th century by Giovanni Giacolo Ditti. Porta Garibaldi, also referred to as “Porta di Sotto”, “San Tommaso” or “di Ferrara”, was built in the 19th century by Filippetti. Overlooking the road that links the two gates is the 18th century Partecipanza Palace. At the heart of the village lies “Piazza del Popolo”, home to the Collegiate Church of San Giovanni Battista. Originally built in the 17th century, the church was renovated in the 18th century. Its simple yet elegant facade features a tympanum with a bas-relief of allegorical figures by Bernardino Bernardi, dating to the first half of the 19th century. Inside, the church follows a Latin cross plan in Baroque style. Stucco decorations from the 18th century adorn the transept, the centre of the choir, and the first altar on the left. The sacristy houses the Museum of Sacred Art, which contains paintings, liturgical objects, and parchment choir books. Other notable buildings in town include the Town Hall, the Municipal Theatre, the Church of the Madonna della Cintura and the Library.
