Discover Romanesque: Peoples and Legends

Maestro Maternato

The two churches of Saint Jean-Baptiste and San-Quilico, as the free-standing bell tower, are attributed to an architect named, according to oral tradition, Maestro Maternato. G. Moracchini-Mazel, in the end of the 1950’s, took back the legend associated to the construction of the earlier bell tower of Carbini. This architect, from Forciolo, probably undertook the building of this extraordinary campanile upon the locals’ request. The beauty of this work made the inhabitants so proud that they plotted to murder the architect, in order to be the only owners of such a wonder. Having heard of this sinister plot, the architect pretended not to have the tools required to complete the bell tower. A group of notables from Carbini went to Forciolo to search for the tools. Maternato’s family, understanding the danger threatening the architect, captured the whole delegation and sent a messenger to Carbini, claiming the return of the architect after the completion of works. The latter came back to Forciolo safe, sound and paid and hostages were finally released.