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The Church of St Benedict in Priverno: a Thousand Years of Frescoes close to the Town's Medieval Walls
Outside the historic centre, in Piazza San Benedetto close to the medieval walls, is Priverno’s oldest church. Built between the late 9th and the 10th century — perhaps by the Benedictines following St Benedict's passage to Cassino — it served as a bishop's seat, and was renovated in the 13th century. The structure is basilical, with three naves, massive pillars in local stone, and a simple façade with two single-light windows. The original bell tower was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1785, and reconstructed the year after.
Frescoes from the 13th Century to the Renaissance
The restoration works of 1971–74 brought to light paintings that had been covered over in the 14th century. The oldest — from the 13th century, the work of masters from Lazio and Campania — decorate the counter-façade, with episodes from the life of Christ, and several pillars, including a Madonna della Misericordia (Our Lady of Mercy). There is also a 15th century Annunciation attributed to Pietro Coleberti, a painter born here when Priverno was still called Piperno. The fresco recalls that painted by Coleberti in 1430 in Roccantica. The apse, by contrast, hosts 16th-century paintings, possibly by Pomponio Palombo.
A Walk Through History and Along Walls
From the church one can continue along the cyclopean walls and through the medieval centre of the town. The square, quiet and unhurried, retains the atmosphere of a time when this was the heart of the city — before it moved higher up, onto the hill.
