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Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo e San Vito Martire (Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle and Saint Vitus the Martyr) in Arpino: a Baroque treasure in the heart of the Colle district
The Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle and Saint Vitus the Martyr overlooks Piazza Sant’Andrea in the heart of the Colle district of Arpino, in the province of Frosinone, right next to the Castle of Ladislaus.
Ancient origins
The earliest traces date back to the 11th century. It was rebuilt in the 13th century and restored several times until the 18th century. It stands above an ancient pagan temple, and is a place of worship that tells centuries of local history, bringing together two deeply venerated patron saints.
A surprising interior
As soon as you step inside, the contrast with the stone exterior is striking. You find yourself immersed in a triumph of stuccos and decorations. The altarpiece, commissioned from Giuseppe Cesari, known as the Cavalier d’Arpino, depicting the two titular saints, has been preserved. All around are niches containing works from the 15th and 18th centuries.
The highlights are the coffered ceiling and a canvas depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Andrew. But there is a detail that few immediately notice: a grille connecting the church to the former monastery of the Benedictine nuns. From there, the cloistered sisters attended Mass, invisible to the congregation.
Visiting today
Entering the Church of Saint Andrew the Apostle and Saint Vitus the Martyr means discovering frescoes and paintings that speak of everyday faith. It is a living part of the town, where the people of Arpino, who call it “the church of the two saints”, still engage in its rituals.
