In the heart of the ancient La Ripa district of Nepi stands the Church of San Giovanni, a treasure of history and spirituality preserved by the Venerable Confraternity of San Giovanni Decollato. Consecrated in 1566, this church represents not only a place of worship but also a bridge to the past, a journey through art, devotion, and centuries-old traditions.
A Story of Faith and Mercy
The Church of San Giovanni was born from a deeply humanitarian intention: that of the Confraternity of San Giovanni Decollato, founded in 1551 to ensure a proper burial for anyone who lacked one, including those condemned to death. This mission of mercy sheds a compassionate light on Nepi, revealing the community’s commitment to the most needy since the Renaissance.
Between 1553 and 1564, the building was erected on solid foundations of faith and solidarity, and was consecrated two years later, marking the beginning of its long history. The façade, renovated in 1850 as indicated by the inscription on the architrave, welcomes the faithful with an expression of sober classicism, dominated by a pediment supported by four pilasters that frame the entrance.
Interior: A Sancta Sanctorum of Art and History
The interior of the church, accessible through a single nave that leads to the raised presbytery, preserves the original 16th-century terracotta flooring, testifying to the continuity of worship through the centuries. The walls, though simply decorated today, reveal traces of 16th-century frescoes, giving the space an atmosphere of solemn antiquity.
The High Altar
At the far end, the high altar stands as the spiritual focal point of the church, dominated by a wooden structure that encloses a 17th-century painting depicting the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. This artwork replaced an older fresco, still visible behind the altar, creating a dialogue between the past and present in sacred iconography. The presence of this painting, so rich in drama and faith, invites reflection on sacrifice and redemption.
Saint Charles Borromeo and the Madonna of Constantinople
On the left lateral wall, the altar dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, commissioned by the Celsi family, bears witness to the deep connection between Nepi and this saint, who was the apostolic administrator of the diocese. The painting depicts him in cardinal attire, a representation that highlights his holiness and pastoral commitment.
Opposite, the altar of the Madonna of Constantinople houses the revered image of the Virgin, saved by monks fleeing from the city under siege by the Turks. This narrative, rich in mystery and devotion, gave rise to the cult of the Madonna dei Matti in Nepi, celebrated every second Sunday in May with a festival that blends religiosity with moments of joyful communal sharing.
Return to Life: Restoration and Celebrations
After years of neglect and collapses, in the 1980s, a meticulous restoration breathed new life into the church, reopening it for worship and the celebrations that mark the rhythm of the community: from the Eucharistic Adoration on Holy Thursday to the feast of the Madonna dei Matti, moments when the church becomes a stage for living and participatory faith. Throughout the year, the Church of San Giovanni hosts exhibitions and concerts.
A Heritage to Discover
The Church of San Giovanni in Nepi is much more than a building: it is a testament to how faith, art, and history can intertwine, creating a heritage of immeasurable value. The care of the Confraternity of San Giovanni Decollato, the guardian of this treasure, ensures that future generations can still discover and appreciate the beauty and depth of this sacred place.
We invite every visitor, whether a believer or simply an art lover, to cross the threshold of this church, to immerse themselves in a unique experience, where every stone, every painting, tells stories of devotion and humanity, in a silent but eloquent dialogue with the divine.
We also invite those interested in the events organized inside or outside the Church of San Giovanni in Nepi to read the Facebook page Madonna dei Matti, managed by the Pia Unione Madonna di Costantinopoli.
Opening hours and visits
Open by request for guided tours.
To book a visit, you can contact the Pia Unione Madonna di Costantinopoli at this email: buonamorte.nepi@gmail.com
Location
Piazza S. Giovanni, 7, 01036 Nepi VT
