San Martino al Cimino

Yesterday my medieval history class took an excursion to San Martino al Cimino which is about 8 miles from Viterbo.  It is part of the district of Viterbo and is a lovely little town that was built around a monastery during the 13th century.  It is on a hilltop, as so many towns are, and is girded 'round by fortress walls.  Very picturesque. 

San Martino is a fascinating church that has endured various changes.  What we see today is the result of an evolution of social and political changes as well as aesthetic.  Borromini actually contributed to the design modifications of the church during the 17th century.  As an architect he collaborated with Bernini in projects at St Peter's in Rome, so he was a pretty big name.  In fact, when we were looking around in the Chapter House, the guide made it clear that the marble floor is made of the same marble, the same marble, as that that was used in St Peter's.

The current transept of the church is actually the original church that was built in the 9th century.  Later in the 12th century, they literally built around it and created this fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles that we see today.

The San Martino monastic order was Benedictine.  To distinguish themselves and literally associate themselves with this church, the monks wore robes that were red and white.  The interior of the church was also painted red and white, as was discovered in the 20th century when some repair had to be done because of a column collapse.  Here you can see some of the remaining paint as well as an awesome patch job on one of the massive columns.

The community of monks had a scriptorium as well and we were allowed to go take a look at some of the treasures there.... as well as see a clock from 1600 work.  Yeah!