According to tradition, Constantius survived the decimation of his Legion and fled to the Val Maira, today in the province of Cuneo, with some other survivors.[1] These included Constantine, Dalmatius, Desiderius, Isidore, Magnus, Olympius, Pontius, Theodore, and Victor.[1] They dedicated themselves to preaching the Christian religion, but all of them, except for Constantius, were soon killed by the Roman authorities.[1] Constantius buried his companions.[1]
The local geologic formation known as Ciciu del Villar, which are columns formed by natural erosion, was connected with Constantius' legend: the stones are said to be the Roman soldiers sent to kill him, who were miraculously petrified before they could harm the saint.[1]
The columns of Ciciu del Villar
According to tradition, Constantius was eventually beheaded on Monte San Bernardo, where a sanctuary dedicated to him was built, known as San Costanzo al Monte.[1] This sanctuary probably dates to Lombard times; some eighth century sculptures remain.[1] The sanctuary was rebuilt and altered in succeeding centuries, and the stone church was completed in 1190.[1] A Baroque façade was added later.[1] The Benedictineabbatial church of Santi Vittore e Costanzo, also in Villar, conserves some important archaeological remains, including a marble slab bearing vermilion symbols and worn down by the hands of the faithful.[1]
Constantius' cult became popular, with a pilgrimage to Villar by the faithful taking place every year.[1]
Tornabuoni, bishop of Saluzzo, declared Chiaffredo patron of his diocese during a synod of 1516, with Constantius as co-patron.[1][3] Statues of Chiaffredo and Constantius can be found in the altar of the cathedral of Saluzzo.[1] Due to his connection with the Theban Legion, Constantius is considered to have been of Egyptian birth; this has led to his veneration in the Coptic Church.[1]
