Church of San Giovanni (Norcia)

History of the Church of San Giovanni

The church was probably built in the 14th century. As a collegiate church, it was one of the two main ecclesiastical centers of Norcia. Over the centuries, earthquakes repeatedly altered the structure, and the reconstructions changed its appearance.

Of the ten altars recorded in the 16th and 17th centuries, half remain. The high altar, in 18th-century masonry and stucco, was dedicated to the titular saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, depicted in the two side statues. Later, when it was repainted, it was rededicated to the Madonna del Carmelo (Our Lady of Mount Carmel).

What to see in the Church of San Giovanni

The facade has a narrow central section with three pilasters, a stucco-decorated window, an entablature and stucco capitals. Set into the wall above the door is a 15th-century coat of arms of Norcia. The pointed doorway, from the late 14th century, is decorated with thistle flowers and foliage.

Inside, the floor is made of irregular stone slabs, among which a crossbow in bas-relief can be seen. Before the earthquake, the main aisle had an 18th-century coffered wooden ceiling decorated with acanthus leaves and moldings, attributed to the Norcia artist Alessandro Bartoli. On the right wall stood the altar of the Madonna della Palla, a Renaissance work in stone dated 1469 and attributed to Giovanni Dalmata. The presbytery held paintings by Giovanni and Antonio Sparapane from 1466-68. Given the collapses and the planned work, it is worth checking which works can be seen before visiting.

How to visit the Church of San Giovanni

Visiting the interior depends on the progress of the work. In July 2024 the Conferenza dei Servizi (the joint planning board) approved the seismic upgrading and restoration project. The 1.95 million euro project includes rebuilding the collapsed wall facings with stone recovered from the fallen sections. New wooden roofs are also planned to replace those that collapsed or were damaged. Before setting out, it is advisable to check accessibility.

Where the Church of San Giovanni is located

The church is in Norcia, in the province of Perugia, right against the town walls, near the gate of the same name.

Around the Church of San Giovanni in Norcia

The historic center of Norcia has other places of worship. The Basilica of San Benedetto in Norcia was badly damaged by the earthquake of October 30, 2016 and reopened for worship on October 30 and 31, 2025. Other churches in town include the Chiesa della Madonna Addolorata, the Chiesa del Crocifisso in the upper part of town and the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, the oldest of Norcia's churches. Other places of worship in the area are described on the page churches of the Sibillini Mountains.