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Church of St Sylvester in Sutri: the bell of Matilda and the church linked to the council
In Sutri in the heart of Tuscia, just a few steps from the town square, stands the Church of San Silvestro. This building is an almost perfectly intact example of Romanesque architecture, whose history is tied to an epoch-making event. Tradition has it that the Council of Sutri of 1046. which deposed three popes, was held within these very walls. This fact, and the charm of a Romanesque church in Tuscia, thus makes it an essential stop for those visiting Sutri.
A bell tower, a countess and a special clock
On top of the bell tower, the bell donated by Countess Matilda of Canossa in memory of that historic event still stands, and is still in working order. But look closely at the façade too. The clock marks "Italian hours", a system that used to calculate time starting from sunset. A rare and interesting detail.
Art and mystery inside
The interior, divided into three naves, holds some small surprises. The high altar is in fact a Roman-era boundary stone that was repurposed. Among the frescoes, a 16th-century Deposition by an unknown artist stands out for its great emotional impact, alongside another dedicated to St Sylvester Pope. And an ancient parchment suggests that the relics of the saint may be hidden here, concealed within the altar.
The church has variable opening hours, often tied to religious services. It is advisable to check the latest hours on the website of the Diocese of Civita Castellana or at the local tourist office before visiting.
