San Salvatore, Spoleto
West facade, with Classical-style reliefs over the portals and windows.
Nave looking east. The side arches have been filled in with masonry.
Nave walls, partially filled with in masonry.
Corinthian columns and entablature in the presbytery.
Detail of Corinthian capitals.
Fresco of a cross with hanging gemstones from the 8th century.
Location map and aerial view of San Salvatore. For a larger interactive view, see our Spoleto Map.
The Church of San Salvatore in Spoleto is off the tourist track but it is one of the oldest and most remarkable churches in Italy and well worth seeking out. Dating from the late 4th century, it was built in the style of a Classical pagan temple. Despite some later alternations, its original architecture remains remarkably well-preserved today.
What to See
San Salvatore is located in eastern Spoleto outside the city walls overlooking a large monumental cemetery. Fresh flowers are often sold to mourners at a stand along Via della Basilica San Salvatore. The walk from town also passes the church of San Ponziano, a medieval church well worth a visit.
Like most of the church, the west facade of San Salvatore dates from the late 4th or early 5th century. The top has three open windows in the style of Classical aedicules, as well as some of the marble panelling (with interesting Oriental motifs) that once covered the entire upper facade. The bottom has three square portals topped with delicate Classical-style reliefs of a central cross flanked by flowers and vines. There was probably originally a portico over the doors.
The mostly-empty interior has an air of venerable antiquity. The arches on the sides of the nave have been filled in with masonry, with small doors cut out for exploring the aisles. The Doric columns of the nave can still be seen among the masonry.
The presbytery is even more impressive. Here, 16 huge columns support a Doric entablature, looking very much like a pagan temple. Most of the capitals are Corinthian, but there are a few in the Ionic and Doric orders as well. The fine masonry dome over the presbytery, probably heightened in the 17th century, has acanthus-leaf capitals at the four corners.
The small apse at the east end is decorated with fresco fragments of various dates. The square niche in the east wall has a rare fresco of a cross with gems hanging from the arms, dated to the 8th century. The two square chapels on either side of the apse are former sacristies. They contain more fragments of frescoes, including the Holy Father and Madonna and Saints (1478) by a follower of Benozzo Gozzoli in the right chapel.
Getting There
By car, head north on the SS3 highway that runs along the east side of Spoleto and take a right on Via della Basilica San Salvatore at the north end of town. After turning, you will pass San Ponziano immediately on your right; continue uphill until you see San Salvatore and the monumental cemetery on your left. There are a few signs for San Salvatore (and San Ponziano) along the way, but it is best to study and bring a map to avoid getting lost.
San Salvatore can also be visited on foot; it is about a mile walk on a slight incline from the city walls of the Lower Town. Please see the map below to plan your route.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | San Salvatore; Basilica di San Salvatore; Il Crocifisso |
| Location: | Spoleto, Umbria, Italy |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Date: | Late 4th or early 5th century |
| Architecture: | Roman, Paleochristian |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 42.742001° N, 12.743111° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Hours: | 7am-dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Travel Resources
- Spoleto Map - our detailed interactive map of Spoleto, plus hand-picked links to more
- Spoleto Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Spoleto Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Spoleto Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- Spoleto Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Spoleto tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Personal visit (April 20, 2008).
- Alta Macadam and Ellen Grady, Blue Guide Central Italy with Rome and Florence, 1st ed. (Somerset: Blue Guides Limited, 2008), 556-67.
- Giovanna Mariucci, Unforgettable Umbria: A Guide to 100 Masterpieces (Florence: Scala, 2007), 180-81.
- "Basilica di San Salvatore: Secc. IV-V" (Arcidiocesi di Spoleto-Norcia, Le Nostre Chiese 8). Pamplet purchased at the church.
Article last updated: 06/28/2009.
