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Viterbo and the Church of San Faustino and Giovita — Piazza San Faustino
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Religious places 📍 Piazza San Faustino, Italy 163 views

Viterbo and the Church of San Faustino and Giovita

The church, which stands on the square of the same name, is dedicated to Saints Faustino and Giovita. Surely this structure does not go unnoticed because its ancient walls tell a long story. The original church probably dates back to the beginning of 1200, while the shape in whic...

Photo · Francesca R.

Viterbo and the Church of San Faustino and Giovita — Piazza San Faustino, Italy.

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Piazza San Faustino
Type
Religious places
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About Viterbo and the Church of San Faustino and Giovita

Viterbo and the Church of San Faustino and Giovita - Piazza San Faustino | Secret World Trip Planner

The church, which stands on the square of the same name, is dedicated to Saints Faustino and Giovita. Surely this structure does not go unnoticed because its ancient walls tell a long story. The original church probably dates back to the beginning of 1200, while the shape in which it appears today is the result of a rebuilding work of 1759. The church played an important role in the past and traces of those historical periods are still visible on the three entrance doors. The cross of the Knights of Rhodes stands out in plain sight, which, together with the two tombstones inserted in the façade, remind visitors of the history of the ancient knights. In 1523 the Knights of Rhodes were driven out of the beautiful Greek island of Rhodes by the Turks. By concession of the Pope they settled in Viterbo, in the Albornoz Fortress, remaining there until 1527. Considering the proximity of the church this place of worship was used to officiate the religious rites of the order. Inside, moreover, there were buried some knights whose tombstones are still visible in the left aisle. The memory of the Knights of Rhodes is still very strong today, when the knights left Viterbo to settle in Malta they donated to the church of San Faustino a precious icon of the Virgin with child called "Madonna of Constantinople". The icon is located in a chapel at the end of the left aisle of the church of San Faustino and, still today, is very much venerated and jealously guarded by the people of Viterbo. The exterior of the church is in neoclassical style and is in harmony with the context in which the structure is inserted. Do not hesitate to enter, the interior of the church will amaze you with frescoes of the fifteenth century and works of art. In the small square in front of the church, you will find the beautiful fountain of San Faustino.

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    Viterbo and the Church of San Faustino and Giovita
    📍 Piazza San Faustino
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Church of San Faustino and Giovita originally dates back to the beginning of the 1200s, but was rebuilt in 1759 into the neoclassical structure visitors see today. The church's ancient walls tell a fascinating story of Viterbo's past, with visible traces of its historical periods marked on its three entrance doors.
After being driven out of Rhodes by the Turks in 1523, the Knights of Rhodes were granted permission by the Pope to settle in Viterbo at the Albornoz Fortress until 1527. During their stay, they used the nearby Church of San Faustino for their religious rites, and some knights were even buried there, with their tombstones still visible in the left aisle today.
The Madonna of Constantinople is a precious icon of the Virgin with Child that was donated to the Church of San Faustino by the Knights of Rhodes when they left Viterbo to settle in Malta. The icon is located in a chapel at the end of the left aisle and remains deeply venerated and carefully guarded by the people of Viterbo.
Inside the Church of San Faustino, visitors can admire beautiful 15th-century frescoes and various works of art, along with the venerated Madonna of Constantinople icon. The church also features the cross of the Knights of Rhodes and historical tombstones on its façade, making it a treasure trove of religious and historical significance.
In the small square in front of the Church of San Faustino, you'll find the beautiful Fountain of San Faustino, which complements the neoclassical exterior of the church and creates a harmonious setting in Viterbo's historic center. The square itself provides a lovely area to appreciate the church's architecture and the fountain's design.

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