Cathedral of Saints Gervasio and Protasio – Città della Pieve
Located in Plebiscito Square, the Cathedral dedicated to Ss. Gervasio and Protasio represents the main and one of the oldest churches in Città della Pieve: historical accounts as told by the Liber Pontificalis have it that a noble ancient roman woman, named Vestina, had properties here, in Rome and in Fondi; in Fondi there’s an old sanctuary also dedicated to Ss. Gervasio and Protasio, probably built by the will of Vestina as the church in Città della Pieve. The Umbrian building was built in VII century, maybe on a pagan preexistence, and then entirely restored in gothic shapes; traces from that period are still visible today in the crypt, in the bell tower’s mullioned windows and in the small façade’s arches.
In 1584 the building was rededicated and restored; in 1600 it got the title of “Cathedral” and heavly renovated according to the Counter-Reformation precepts.
The Cathedral shows today fine pieces of art, housed in the six lateral chapels:paintings from Pomarancio and his followers, Giannicola di Paolo; a sculpture by Giovanni Teutonico; and two paintings by the Master Perugino, the Baptism of Christ and Our Lady in glory among the Patron Saints Gervasio and Protasio with the standard of the city and Saints Peter and Paul. During the ninenteenth century,
Annibale Ubertis also realized the frescoes that adorn the counterfacade.
