 |
Norcia
is the birthplace of S. Benedetto and his sister S. Scholastica
who were born here in the year 480. A statue representing
the Saint stands in the main piazza outside the Basilica
bearing his name. Nearby are the splendid Palazzo
Comunale and the Loggia dei Mercanti. Among the
sights of Norcia is the Oratory of St Agostinuccio
which, despite its simple exterior, should not be missed. The inlaid, gilded and painted wooden ceiling is a masterpiece of local
16 C craftsmanship. Opposite the Palazzo Comunale stands the
Castellina, a fortress built by order of Pope Julius III, to designs by Vignola (1554-63), to house the Prefetto della Montagna. The Castellina stands over what was once the Palazzo del Podestà and the ancient Pieve di Santa Maria Argentea. The first floor houses the
Museo Civico-Diocesano, which contains works from Norcia and its surrounding area from the 13 C to the 18
C.
More about Norcia, Italy - main sights, accommodations.
|