Medieval Festival, Montefranco, (Umbria) Italy, June 2, 2014
Baskets woven from local olive twigs -- Tamburini Teams Perform -- Living displays throughout festival
La Chiesa di S. Giovanni Battista, Arrone (Umbria) Italy
A singularly spiritual experience, we were granted private access inside the 12th century church within the walled town of ancient Arrone. The chapel portion was built in the mid 1100's to serve the spiritual needs of the noble family Arroni and the residents who were fortunate enough to live within the protected walls of their castello.
With our guides Alberto and his daughter Chiara serving as our incredibly knowledgable docents, we learned of the chiesa's benevolent history... it's interior walls are adorned by numerous frescoes painted by artists adhering to the unique style of Spoleto which were commissioned during the mid 15th century by noble families offering gratitude for miracles they had prayed for. Whether a safe birth or the return to health from plague, the stories are emotionally depicted and evoke the truest depths of devotion to the saints who granted them their miracles.
The visit was moving and unforgettable.
A singularly spiritual experience, we were granted private access inside the 12th century church within the walled town of ancient Arrone. The chapel portion was built in the mid 1100's to serve the spiritual needs of the noble family Arroni and the residents who were fortunate enough to live within the protected walls of their castello.
With our guides Alberto and his daughter Chiara serving as our incredibly knowledgable docents, we learned of the chiesa's benevolent history... it's interior walls are adorned by numerous frescoes painted by artists adhering to the unique style of Spoleto which were commissioned during the mid 15th century by noble families offering gratitude for miracles they had prayed for. Whether a safe birth or the return to health from plague, the stories are emotionally depicted and evoke the truest depths of devotion to the saints who granted them their miracles.
The visit was moving and unforgettable.
Above Left: Two near perfect 15th century frescoes. Above right: Frescoes depicting miracles realized, and our storyteller Chiara.
The apse of La Chiesa di S. Giovanni Battista, "John the Baptist," was added to the original 12th century church in the mid 1400's with a depiction of Christ as it's center point (as with all apses, regardless of the surrounding stories, Jesus remains at the center of devotion.)
Frescoes along the side walls depict the life of John the Baptist from his outspoken condemnation of adultery by Herodias with Herod II, the brother of her first husband, through to the famed dance of the seven veils by their daughter Solame... which ends with her calling for the head of John the Baptist. Scholars conflict as to whether Solame commanded this action on her own or as merely a pawn of her mother who hated John the Baptist for his public condemnations against her.
The artwork within La Chiesa di S. Giovanni Battista offers unique insight into the commonly held religious practices of the 15th century; unyielding devotion to God and Christ, and the sincere belief that the patron saints possessed the power to perform miracles for those who were deemed worthy through their prayers and offerings.