The oratory of San Giovanni Battista o “della Paglia” (XV century)

It is located close to the Quadrato and it is one of the most ancient places of worship in Villafranca since it dates up to the 15^th century. the Baroque marble altar was realized in 1620, as it shown on the headstone that stands above it, and contains a shovel attributed to Antonio Balestra (1666 -1740), a disciple of Prendaglio that represents the Battista with a lamb and a little angel.

From documents and archaeological findings, it seems that the whole complex belonged to the Knights of Malta, a religious and chivalrous order whose distinctive element was the practice of offering hospitality to travellers.

Later, the property was purchased by some noble families and since the beginning of the 20^th century it belongs  to the Vantini family.

In the past, “St. Zuane”  was a well-known rest area  and up to 1940 also jugglers and troubadours who animated the fair of San Pietro spent some time in the courtyard or were lodged under the portico by the families who lived in the houses next to the little church.

Pilgrims would look for lodging in the stables where they were sure they would find a straw bed for one or more nights; the expression “San Giovanni della paglia” (St. John of the straw) apparently originates from this anecdote.

During the second world war the occasions to organize parties became less frequent and in the postwar period the habit of giving hospitality was abandoned.

The little church was restored in 1970s and it currently belongs to a private owner; it is available for visits only upon request, during celebrations in honour of San Giovanni Battista on the 24^th of June and on the 29^th of August, as well as for the pray of the rosary in May.