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The Church of Saints Anthony and Catherine: the façade you don't expect in Acquapendente
In the centre of Acquapendente, along Via Roma, a surprising façade lies in wait. It belongs to the Church of Santi Antonio e Caterina, a small building that is often overlooked. Its distinguishing feature is the late 19th-century frontage, designed by architect Guglielmo Meluzzi to enter into dialogue with the nearby church of Sant'Agostino (St Augustine). A deliberate act of urban design.
Dialogue with the neighbouring church
To design the façade, Meluzzi studied carefully the bell tower of the church of Sant'Agostino, which stands right beside it. He drew on the decorative elements of its base — the small arches and stone cornices — to create a visual bond. A detail that many visitors never notice. In doing so, he gave new dignity to an oratory that, before the collapse of the old bell tower of Sant'Agostino in 1875, it had very little of.
The legacy of the ancient hospital
The double dedication is no coincidence. The church was connected to the old hospital of Santa Caterina, an institution that for centuries assisted pilgrims and travellers along the Via Francigena. Today the hospital no longer exists, but the name has remained as a reminder of that history of hospitality. A piece of local history.
To visit, it is advisable to enquire on the spot about opening hours and any special openings during feast days or local celebrations. The façade, however, is always visible while strolling along Via Roma.
