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Church of St Anatolia in Gerano: a thousand-year history between faith and a hundred roasted trout
In Gerano, in the Valle del Giovenzano, the Church of Sant'Anatolia tells a story that begins in the 6th century. Its distinguishing feature is unique: it stands on the remains of two monumental Roman tombs. This is central to the history of Gerano, bound to centuries-old events and to the lively feast of Sant'Anatolia, celebrated every summer with great popular participation.
A peace sealed with trout
The church has been a witness to some curious events. It was here in 1169 that the Abbot of Subiaco and the Count of Tivoli signed a historic truce to resolve a long territorial dispute. According to one of the clauses of the agreement, the abbot pledged to send to Tivoli, every year for the feast of St Lawrence, "eleven soldi of Pavese denarii and one hundred roasted trout". A truly unusual pact.
An altar made of Roman history
Inside, the atmosphere is simple, with its roof of exposed wooden trusses. The eye falls immediately on the altar, built from reused fragments from the Roman era. Even the holy water stoup is fashioned from a section of an ancient column. These details — together with two 16th-century stucco statues and two commemorative plaques — make the visit a small journey through time, where different eras coexist side by side.
The patron feast, with its centuries-old fair, is held every year on 9 and 10 July. To visit the church, contact or visit the website of the Municipality of Gerano.
