Located near the end of Via Garibaldi, just before the edge of the historic center, stands the Church of San Tolomeo, also known as the Church of the Rosary or the Madonna della Vittoria. Entrusted to the Order of Servants of Mary since 1911, it is now one of the most important sacred buildings in Nepi.
A Journey Through Time: The Origins of the Church
The history of the Church of San Tolomeo is a fascinating tale of faith and resilience. Born from the ashes of the church of the same name, which was demolished in 1540, the first stone was laid with an ambitious design by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. However, fate had other plans, and after various setbacks, the church was completed only in 1606, transforming into a masterpiece quite different from the original concept. Over the centuries, it underwent renovations that enriched its charm, such as the addition of a majestic dome and the transformation of the apse, under the initiative of the friar Vincenzo Pistelli in the second half of the 19th century.
Architecture, Art, and Relics: A Treasure to Explore
The architecture of the Church of San Tolomeo is a captivating dialogue between Neoclassicism and Baroque, where every stone tells a story. The façade, imposing and majestic, welcomes visitors with a sense of solemn beauty, while the single nave interior surprises with the elegance of its side chapels, each guarding works of art and devotion. Among these, the splendid wooden altar commissioned by the Galeotti family stands out, where in 1695, the statue of the Madonna della Vittoria, or of the Rosary, was placed as a tribute to protection and spiritual victory.
The frescoed chapel is that of the Assumption, commissioned by the Brunetti family in 1606, now dedicated to the Virgin of Seven Sorrows, with paintings that tell stories of faith through vivid colors and divine forms. Inside this dome lie the relics of Cecilia Eusepi, an important figure for the most faithful of Nepi, beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on June 17, 2012.
On the gallery to the right of the high altar, one can admire the Chapel of Saint Dominic, built by the Dominican Fathers in 1632. However, the painting that now decorates the chapel does not depict Saint Dominic, but rather the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary.
Another reason the Church of San Tolomeo is so significant to the entire Nepi community is because it houses the relics of the saint from whom it takes its name, along with Saint Romano, one of the two patron saints of the Municipality of Nepi. These relics were transferred from the nearby Church of Sant’Andrea in 1606. Later, between 1663 and 1664, a sculpture by Giovanni Francesco De Rossi was added, depicting Saint Tolomeo in episcopal garments.
The Church of San Tolomeo in the Heart of the Community
The Church of San Tolomeo is not just a historical monument, but a living place, beating with the rhythm of the Nepi community. Entrusted to the Order of the Servants of Mary in 1911 by Bishop Monsignor Doebbing, it has witnessed generations of faithful who have found comfort and inspiration within its walls. Celebrations and festivals continue to unfold, keeping traditions alive and strengthening the bond between the citizens and their spiritual heritage.
Walking through the oldest area of Nepi and encountering this church means embarking on a journey of discovery that goes beyond a simple tourist visit. It is an immersion in an atmosphere where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor every detail, every work of art, every corner of silence. It is an opportunity for reflection, to connect with oneself and with the history of a community that has preserved its identity and values over the centuries.
To fully experience the Church of San Tolomeo, it is recommended to visit during public opening hours, ideally attending one of the masses to feel its soul resonate.
The Church of San Tolomeo in Nepi is more than just a place of worship; it is an invitation to explore, to learn, and to live the history, art, and spirituality of a unique community. It is an experience that enriches the soul, opens the mind, and warms the heart. Travelers, art lovers, seekers of inner peace, Nepi awaits to unveil its hidden treasures. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this and other religious buildings, where every stone, every fresco, every beam of light tells a story of faith, beauty, and eternity.
Opening hours
It is possible to visit the Church of San Tolomeo during religious service hours.
Location
Via Garibaldi, 165, Nepi (VT)
