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Piazza Mario Dottori: what to see in the main square of Poggio Mirteto
Piazza Mario Dottori is the heart of the medieval village of Poggio Mirteto, in Sabina. Just a few yards away is Porta Farnese — dated 1577 and commissioned by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, whose name is still carved into the lintel. The square also brings together a church, a palace and a tower — each with its own story.
The church with the altarpiece painted by a woman architect
The Church of San Giovanni Battista (St John the Baptist) was consecrated in 1601, designed by Angelo Savi from Parma. It was renovated in 1720 by the Roman architect Alessandro Specchi. It was the church of the Confraternity of Mercy, which carried out services for those condemned to death. Inside, the altarpiece consists of a processional banner painted on both sides by Plautilla Bricci, painter and architect.
The palace that was a defensive fortress
The Bishop's Palace began as a defensive fortress. Over time it was turned into a palazzo, with the main door adorned by the coat of arms of Cardinal Lambruschini. On the side facing Piazza Garibaldi, the arrow slits of the old drawbridge are still visible. Today it houses the Diocesan Museum.
The tower and a handmade clock
The clock tower was originally a crenellated tower defending the gate. At the end of the 16th century it was raised to house the bells of the Church of San Paolo (St Paul). Inside, the original weight-driven clock is still there — handmade from forged and boiled iron, between 1650 and 1680. It no longer works, but the piece is one-of-a-kind.
