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The Basilica of San Pietro in Tuscania, situated on an elevation overlooking the Marta Valley, is one of the most significant masterpieces of Italian medieval architecture—a monument intertwining history, art, and spirituality. This ancient place of worship stands majestically on a hill that once served as the Etruscan acropolis of the city, offering a breathtaking and historically rich panorama. From here, one can take in the lush surrounding landscape and the town center of Tuscania.
Built between the 8th and 11th centuries, according to some scholars, the Church of San Pietro embodies a transitional moment in art from early Christian to Romanesque architecture. Its facade, renovated in the 12th century, is an extraordinary synthesis of Cosmatesque art and Christian symbolism, featuring a large central rose window and intricate decorations depicting the seasons, zodiac signs, and symbolic scenes of labor. The main portal, framed by ornate arches and columns with finely carved capitals, welcomes visitors with a star-patterned mosaic—a symbolic invitation to enter a timeless space.
Inside, the church unfolds into three naves with a Cosmatesque floor adorned with geometric decorations, showcasing the refinement of medieval artisans. The naves are separated by repurposed columns originating from Roman and early medieval structures, symbolizing the interaction between cultures and historical periods. The central nave leads to the raised presbytery, where an 11th-century ciborium carved with the mysterious date of 1093 and a bishop’s seat evoke the church’s former role as a cathedral until 1573. Particularly captivating is the Romanesque pulpit, built with materials from various eras, preserving the sense of continuity and sacredness of the site.
Descending into the crypt reveals an evocative, mysticism-filled space supported by twenty-eight columns of Roman and medieval origin. The architecture of the crypt, with its cross-vaulted ceilings and opus reticulatum walls, dates back to the 11th–12th centuries and stands as one of the most important examples of medieval sacred art. Here, a 14th-century fresco attributed to Gregorio d’Arezzo depicts the patron saints of Tuscania—Veriano, Secondiano, and Marcelliano.
Today, the Basilica of San Pietro in Tuscania is a must-see for those visiting the Tuscia region. Thanks to its strategic location and the majesty of its defensive towers, it has also become a captivating film location, appearing in numerous films. The entire complex is currently managed by Italy’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage through the Regional Directorate of Museums of Lazio, which works to preserve its historical and architectural value for future generations. The Basilica of San Pietro in Tuscania is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with free admission.
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