Sant'Eufemia, Spoleto
View of east apses from the stairs leading to the Duomo.
West facade.
View from gallery.
Nave looking east.
Pillar with a fresco of a saint.
Apse fresco of God the Father with angels.
Location map and aerial view of Sant'Eufemia. For a larger interactive view, see our Spoleto Map.
Sant'Eufemia is a notable Romanesque church in Spoleto. Built in the 12th century over a Lombard palace and overlooking the Piazza del Duomo, it is famed for its unique women's galleries high above the nave. It is no longer used as a church and can only be accessed with admission to the Museo Diocesano next door.
History
Sant'Eufemia was built in the 12th century on the site of an 8th-century Lombard ducal palace, incorporating spoils from that palace as well as earlier Roman monuments.
What to See
The east end of Sant'Eufemia can be seen from the stairs leading down to the Piazza del Duomo. The three tall apses that protrude from this end of the building reveal its unique interior design. The west facade, at the entrance to the church, has a single central portal.
There is very little decoration on the exterior or interior, save for some small hanging arches beneath the eaves. The interior is barely lit by the narrow Romanesque windows.
The highlight of the church is the architecture of the nave, with its two-story side aisles and tall apses that stretch the full height of the church. The arched galleries were used to segregate women from the men, who worshiped in the main nave below. This configuration is the only one of its kind to survive in Umbria.
Other notable details include a brightly painted fresco of God the Father high up in the apse, older murals on some of the pillars, and two pillars (presumably from the ducal palace) carved with Lombard motifs.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Sant'Eufemia; Basilica di S. Eufemia; Chiesa di Sant'Eufemia |
| Dedicated to: | St. Eufemia |
| Location: | Spoleto, Umbria, Italy |
| Category: | Churches |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Catholic |
| Status: | museum |
| Date: | 12th century |
| Architecture: | Romanesque |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 42.73483° N, 12.738583° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Via Aurelio Saffi, 13, 06049 Spoleto PG, Italy |
| Phone: | 0743-2310 |
| Website: | www.museiecclesiastici.it |
| Hours: | Mar-Oct: Mon-Fri 10-1 and 3-6; Sat-Sun 10-6 Closed Mondays in winter. |
| Cost: | €3 (includes admission to Museo Diocesano) |
| Photography: | Permitted |
Travel Resources for Spoleto
- 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 19, 2008).
- Museo Diocesano e Basilica di Santa Eufemia - Musei Ecclesiastici Umbri
- The Rough Guide to Italy 7 (May 2005), 651-52.
- St. Eufemia Church - Bella Umbria
Article last updated: 04/04/2009.
