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Basilica of San Flavian in Montefiascone: two “superimposed” churches on the road to Orvieto
The Basilica of San Flaviano stands on the slopes of the hill of Montefiascone, along the Via Orvietana. It houses the remains of the Christian martyr Flavianus, patron saint of the city. One church stands on top of another — the lower one from the 11th century, the upper from the 13th — built with opposing orientations. The architecture strikes you even before you enter.
The facades
The main facade, facing the road, is punctuated by arches, a cardinal's coat of arms, and a bell gable. The opposite facade features a quatrefoil rose window in the centre and two oval windows on either side.
The lower church
In the lower church, pillars and columns with acanthus-leaf capitals and decorative interlacing divide the space into three naves. Numerous frescoes adorn the interior, including "The Meeting of the Three Living and the Three Dead," from the 14th century. Along the walls are scenes from the New Testament. To the right of the entrance is the tombstone of the German bishop Defuk — a legendary figure and wine lover.
The upper church
A staircase connects the lower church to the upper one. Here, surmounted by a canopy, the throne of Pope Urban IV, who consecrated the altar in 1262, is preserved.
