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The Church of St Blaise in Palombara Sabina: a centuries-long history and rediscovered treasures
The Church of San Biagio in Palombara Sabina overlooks a belvedere in the historic centre. Its history is a complex one, being originally a 6th-century cell before undergoing numerous transformations over the centuries. Today it houses precious works of art, including a 15th-century panel painting and a Byzantine-style icon, both recovered after a sensational theft. It is a place that has quite literally reversed its own orientation.
A church that changed direction
Its current form is not the original one. In 1856 the church was completely "turned around": the ancient entrance became the apse, frescoed by Raffaele Casnedi with the Apotheosis of the Saint. During the floor-lowering works of 1887, the true surprise emerged — beneath everyone's feet, the remains of a small 6th-century Benedictine cell came to light.
Treasures saved
Inside, two works tell a story of devotion and peril. The first is the "Madonna della Neve" (Our Lady of the Snow), attributed to Antonio da Viterbo, a painter of the second half of the 15th century. The second is an even older icon: the 14th-century "Cristo Salvatore" (Christ the Saviour), a rare copy of the image from the Sancta Sanctorum in Rome. Both were stolen in 1991, and subsequently recovered.
The church is an active place of worship, and opening hours may vary. It is advisable to check Mass times on the parish website or to contact the parish directly to plan a visit.
