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The Church of St Peter Apostle in Vicovaro: the story of the church with two façades
In Vicovaro, just a short distance from Rome, the Church of San Pietro Apostolo conceals a peculiarity that makes it unique. It has not one, but two monumental Baroque façades. This choice is tied to the history of the nearby Palazzo Bolognetti, and speaks to the relationship between the nobility and the people. This detail defines the identity of the place.
One project, two entrances
The architect Gerolamo Theodoli, a relative of the Bolognetti family, had originally conceived the church as a private chapel. There was to be a single entrance, connected to the palazzo. But Cardinal Mario Bolognetti insisted on a second façade, the one that today looks onto Piazza San Pietro. He wanted a monumental entrance for the townspeople too. A gesture and a solution that was far from obvious.
A secret passage between the sacred and the profane
The church was built between 1745 and 1755, yet it stands beside the medieval Orsini fortress, later transformed into a stately residence by the Bolognetti themselves. The two buildings are still connected. An elegant gallery — entirely frescoed by the painter Salvatore Monosilio — links the church to the palazzo, bearing witness to the ancient bond between spiritual and temporal power.
The church is generally open for worship. For specific visits or to find out the opening hours of the connecting gallery, it is advisable to contact the parish of Vicovaro or the local municipality.
