Although the origin of the place can be traced back at least to the early Middle Ages – the first mention of a place called Saxomulare is contained in a Modena parchment dated 969 – and although it has been mentioned several times due to the wars which affected the border between Modena and Bologna, the first mention of a church dates back only to 1330. The church stood in the same position as the current church and had three chapels, the largest dedicated to San Giacomo, the others to the Blessed Virgin and to S. Antonio Abate.
The church of Sassomolare stands in a dominant and panoramic position close to the watershed between the Reno and Panaro, along the ancient road called Piccola Cassia. It has a salient façade, sides characterized by projecting volumes which include the internal chapels, a quadrangular presbytery and a gabled roof. The hall-like interior takes in light from three lunette windows, is barrel vaulted and takes in light from three lunette windows that open on the counter-façade and along the sides. The deep presbytery has a quadrangular plan and is also barrel vaulted.