Church of St. Peter the Apostle

The Parish Church of St. Peter the Apostle,located in the center of the medieval core of Minturno, is a building that is not easily dated.It was erected at the behest of Pope Leo III (795-816) around the 9th century and rebuilt in the 12th. The building, which was formerly a cathedral, is located in the center of the medieval village. The facade has a wide stone block staircase and features a narthex with unequal pointed arches. Inserted in the prothyrum is the Bell Tower.

It has a Latin cross plan and three naves. Characteristic is the wooden coffered ceiling with central panels and rosettes. The papal coat of arms is clearly visible in the center. On the right side we find the Chapel of the Sacrament, a Baroque work. On the back wall is a canvas representing the Last Supper, the work of the school of Andrea da Salerno, known as Sabatino.

Of particular artistic merit is the Pergamum where, on the two side parapets, we find bas-reliefs depicting the biblical episode of Jonah being swallowed and rejected by the pistrice. On the right side of the pulpit is the 1618 coat of arms of Minturno. Next to it is the Paschal Candle (1264), which stands on an elegant candelabra equally decorated with mosaic in geometric style, from the 13th century. In the apse supported by organ pipes is a 13th-century fresco depicting the "Virgo Lactans" Our Lady of Grace, proclaimed Protectress of the city on Sept. 6, 1850. Behind the altar are some remains of frescoes dating from around 1400. Adjacent to the church is the congregation dedicated to St. Philip Neri.