The Church of San Valentino in Sadali is situated in the heart of the historic village, in a particularly picturesque spot: right in front of a charming waterfall with a drop of around seven metres, which helps to create a unique atmosphere.

The building’s origins are very ancient and complex. An early structure, in late Byzantine style, dates back to between the 9th and 10th centuries, but recent studies have revealed even older traces, dating back to the 5th–6th centuries AD, when there was also a Roman brick kiln in the area, discovered beneath the current chancel during the 1996 restoration works. A second, more extensive phase of construction dates back to the 14th century and features Gothic elements, visible in the pointed arch portal and the pointed arches inside.

Over the centuries, the church has been extended on several occasions: the side chapels were added after the 17th century, whilst the bell tower was built in the 20th century. The interior consists of a single nave with six chapels, among which the Chapel of the Assumption stands out, built between the late 17th and early 18th centuries at the behest of Salvatore Locci.

Further alterations took place during the 20th century, involving changes to the chancel and the liturgical furnishings: in 1929, there was an elegant gilded wooden shrine dating from 1655, which was subsequently replaced and then reinstalled following restoration work carried out between 2001 and 2002.

The church is dedicated to Saint Valentine, the village’s patron saint, who is solemnly celebrated on 14 February and 6 October. The latter date was introduced in ancient times to make the celebrations more manageable, avoiding the harshest winter months when resources were scarce for the community.