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L'Aquila. Church of San Vito alla Rivera SerFeo - Shutterstock

Church of St Vitus

The Church of San Vito alla Rivera in L’Aquila, also known as San Vito di Tornimparte, is a historical religious building constructed in the late 13th century. It was built by residents of Tornimparte, a nearby castle, who contributed to the founding of L’Aquila. Originally featuring Romanesque architecture, its facade was later reconstructed in the 15th century.

Over time, the church underwent significant transformations, particularly between the 16th and 18th centuries, which included modifications to the nearby Fountain of the 99 Spouts. The adjacent convent and hospital, established in 1599 by the Fatebenefratelli, added to its historical context. Following its destruction in the 1703 earthquake, the church was rebuilt in the 18th century.

The 2009 earthquake caused severe damage, leading to the collapse of the facade’s upper section. After restoration work, the church reopened to the public in 2017. Its facade features a central oculus surrounded by alternating white and pink stones, two sundials, and a lunette with a depiction of Santa Maria della Sanità. The interior is modest, with a single nave and a prominent altar, reflecting its architectural simplicity.

  • Address
    Via Arco S. Jacopo della Rivera,  L’Aquila, Italy
  • Web
    None
  • Visiting Hours
    Unknown
  • What to see
    Sundials, Fountain of the 99 Spouts

This post is also available in: Español Italiano

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