Chiesa di Sant'Andrea

Sant'Andrea is Montefiascone's oldest documented church, mentioned in records from 853. Set against the medieval town wall, it preserves three naves and pre-Romanesque capitals; the church now hosts the Romanian Orthodox community.

Why it matters

The church stands in Largo del Plebiscito beside the first medieval circuit wall, near the arch marking the historic centre. Its surviving columns and capitals preserve an early layer of Montefiascone's religious architecture. Its current Orthodox use adds a distinct chapter to the building's history.

What to notice

Four capitals show Lombard-influenced carving. One has a Corinthian form; another depicts long-necked birds with serpentine tails; a third has human faces at its corners; the fourth alternates fantastic animals with stylised palm leaves. Only the central bay of the original facade remains visible, with a Gothic portal and rose window; neighbouring buildings have absorbed the side aisles. The peperino apse faces Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. A plaque dated 1305 on the facade's right side bears the city's oldest coat of arms.

Context and history

Sant'Andrea is documented from 853. Over time, neighbouring buildings absorbed its side aisles and reduced the visible facade, while the church remained set against the medieval wall. The Romanian Orthodox community now worships among the Romanesque columns and has installed icons within the ancient fabric.