Church of San Venanzio (Ascoli Piceno)

History of the Church of San Venanzio

The church already appears in 996, the year of the diploma of Otto III that records it. It was then entirely rebuilt around the 12th–13th century, on the ruins of a pagan temple, in the Romanesque style then common in Ascoli. In the 17th century the building changed appearance: the facade was remodeled and the interior was renovated by the architect Emidio Ferretti between 1667 and 1671. The high altar dates from 1697.

What to see in the Church of San Venanzio

The facade keeps its typical stepped (a salienti) shape. In the 17th century the rose window was removed, and part of the infill is still visible around the rectangular opening. At the top are five majolica bowls set in a cross, a feature found in other Romanesque churches in Ascoli such as San Tommaso and San Giacomo.

The bell tower is an old noble family tower adapted for the purpose. It is just under 30 meters tall, with a base of 3.40 × 3.70 m. Near the top runs a double row of projecting, pierced stone blocks. They may have been used to hold banners and flags during civic and religious festivals.

Inside, restoration work uncovered a fresco of a female martyr saint, dating from 1290–1310 and located on the inner facade wall. The marble high altar is by the sculptor Giuseppe Giosafatti. The altarpiece that once adorned it, the Martyrdom of San Venanzio by Andrea Pozzo, is now in the Diocesan Museum.

Visiting the Church of San Venanzio

The church is a place of worship right in the historic center, so it is easy to reach on foot during a walk around the city. The facade and bell tower can be seen from outside. To see the interior, with the fresco and the altar, it is worth checking access in advance.

Where the Church of San Venanzio is

The Church of San Venanzio stands in the historic center of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region, a short distance from Piazza del Popolo.

Around the Church of San Venanzio

After the visit, there is more to explore in the historic center. Among the city's other churches is the Church of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio, which faces piazza Ventidio Basso, the hub of commercial activity in the Middle Ages. For more ideas, the list is on the page about things to do in Ascoli Piceno.