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The Convent of St Bernardino in Toffia: The church born from the saint's journey
The San Bernardino da Siena convent complex is located in Toffia, in the ancient square that once marked the entrance to the castrum Tophiae. Today, it serves as a culture hub, hosting theatrical performances by the O33 Association.
A church inspired by a saint's passage
The complex was built to commemorate the visit of St Bernardino of Siena, who passed through here in 1430 while travelling from Rome to L'Aquila. The church reflects Franciscan simplicity: a minimalist nave and a bell housed in a brick niche on the roof. Every year, the Compagnia del Gonfalone would organise a procession here, when all participants would wear white habits.
Frescoes and brotherhood
The interior preserves frescoes depicting the Annunciation to the Shepherds, a Nativity, and other partially visible figures, possibly including St Bernardino and St Sebastian. The complex was the seat of the Brotherhood of St Lawrence the Martyr, which included all the heads of families in the village—a form of mutual aid that even entailed the management of communal herds grazing on Monte degli Elci.
Roman remains in the square
In Piazza Lauretana, three Roman artefacts can be seen: a square pillar, a column drum, and the so-called "marmo di piazza" (marble table in the square).
