The Museo Sistino di Arte Sacra in Castignano is housed in the church of Santi Pietro e Paolo.The church of Santi Pietro e Paolo currently preserves its 14th-century appearance, although the early nucleus of the church dates back to the 11th century, as is evident in its semi-circular apse.

The simple gabled façade with bell tower on the right is enhanced by a travertine rose window featuring St Peter in the centre, and by a terracotta portal decorated with sculpted panels.Inside, the church has a trussed ceiling and two aisles, with six altars in polychrome wood lining its walls.

The main altar is devoted to St Peter and St Paul, and features a canvas painted by Martino Bonfini, which depicts the two saints against a background view of Castignano seen from Montalto.The aisles are lined by the great fresco of the Last Judgement painted by Antoniuccio in 1425. Although only fragments of it survive, the image of Christ enthroned in judgement, surrounded by angels, has a very strong visual impact.

Recent work has also uncovered 14th–15th-century frescoes, including one of the Madonna and Child and one of St Francis, both by the school of Crivelli.

The most interesting objects housed in the museum include a gilded silver reliquary containing a cross studded with precious stones and filigree.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Museo Sistino di arte sacra, Piazza San Pietro

Christmas – Easter – Summer   Scheduled opening

Entrance fee   € 1.00