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The Church of St Victoria: The Heart of Anticoli Corrado, the Village of Painters
In the centre of Anticoli Corrado, the Church of Santa Vittoria is more than a simple religious building. It is the starting point for discovering the soul of the village of painters. Its history, shaped by demolitions and rebirths, is interwoven with that of the village itself — once a feudal holding of powerful families, today a refuge for artists from all over the world. Its story tells of a profound transformation.
A Change of Perspective
The building visible today dates from 1860, and replaced an older medieval chapel. During the reconstruction, the builders took an unusual decision. They rotated the apse — the semicircular focal point behind the altar — ninety degrees, orienting it towards the north rather than towards the east, as tradition dictates. A detail that many do not notice, yet one that changed the physiognomy of the square forever.
Art that Continues in the Square
Inside, the eye is drawn to the 17th-century altarpiece depicting the martyrdom of the saint. But the art does not stop there. One need only step out onto the churchyard to find oneself before Arturo Martini's fountain "Noah's Ark". And just a few steps away, Palazzetto Brancaccio houses the Civic Museum, with works by the artists who fell in love with this village.
The church is an active parish, open primarily during religious services. For visits at other times, it is advisable to check opening hours by contacting the local Pro Loco, especially during periods of peak tourist activity. Admission is free.
