Bevagna

Description

The town of Bevagna, whose medieval urban plan (12th-13th century) is still intact, is surrounded by walls with towers and gates. The significant remains of Roman occupation include the conspicuous ruins of a temple, a thermal complex and, in the upper part of town, a semicircle of houses traces the shape of an ancient theatre.

The medieval urban structure developed over the plan of the Roman city, with squares and noble palaces. The facade of Palazzo dei Consoli (1270) located on Piazza Silvestri, has Gothic lancet windows and a staircase that leads to a wide loggia with cross-vaults. Since 1886, it has housed the 140-seat Teatro Francesco Torti, decorated by Domenico Bruschi and Mariano Piervittori.

Also on the same square are the Romanesque Churches of St. Sylvester and St. Michael Archangel (both late 12th century) and the Church of St. Dominic and St. James (14th century).

In the highest point of the town, near Piazza Garibaldi, the Church and Convent of St. Francis date to late 13th century. The single naved church houses paintings by Dono Doni and Ascensidonio Spacca and the remains of a 16th century fresco. To the left of the altar is a rock where, according to legend, St. Francis placed his feet during his Sermon to the Birds.