 |
| precarious column |
very few people are aware of a hidden masterpiece of the Renaissance architect located in the center of Viterbo.
As a resident here for the past 20 years I was surprised to discover the existence of this gem designed and built by architect Bramante between 1506-1510.
As a resident here for the past 20 years I was surprised to discover the existence of this gem designed and built by architect Bramante between 1506-1510.
 |
| smack in the city center but hidden from view |
The magnificent stables hidden
in piazza Sallupara were commissioned by Pope Julius II
to house about 100 horses of the papal entourage.
 |
| the main hall of the Papal Stables |
And they
were kept in style, in a majestic hall
with vaulted ceilings lined
with 24
pillars.
The
building’s existence was unknown not
only to me, but to most of the townspeople eventhough it is close to the historic center and the Albornoz fortress , seat of the local
Etruscan museum.
 |
| Pro Loco opened the Bramante stables for the first time |
Thanks to
the new Pro Loco of Viterbo the site was opened and guided visits were given to illustrate this, one of city’s
least known sites.
 |
| Viterbo's well known Fontana Grande |
The
building has been used diversely over
the centuries: for storage, as a tobacco barn
and then in 1822
it became the city prison.
During
World War II it was one of the many buildings of Viterbo to be destroyed by Allied bombs and since
then it has been an eyesore of the
historic center.
Unexploded bombs were recuperated from the site even last
January.
Now it is finally being
restored with money made
available by a local bank and the Lazio Region and will eventually become a
civic and cultural center.
 |
| stones and columns lined up |
 |
| Pro loco members Davide, Michele and friend |
Here is an article in Italian about
the papal stables http://www.bibliotecaviterbo.it/rivista/1990_1-2/Buchicchio.pdf
Have you visited Viterbo? What is your favorite place in the area? Leave a comment in Italian or English and share with friends by clicking on the Facebook or Twitter icons just below.
To subscribe to the blog , just leave your email at the bottom of the page.
For other information about the Viterbo and Northern Lazio area see my website.
I had seen the work being carriedout but had no idea what it was. I hope the restoration will go ahead quickly and the new building will be opened to visitors. Christina
ReplyDeleteWhat a great discovery. It is a pity that it remains in poor condition. It is hard for me as an American who has lived her entire life in Los Angeles to conceive of the state of ruin in which Italy was left after The War. It is good to see however, that even at this late date, restoration is under way. Thanks also for the link for the papal stables.
ReplyDeletethanks Adri and Christina for your comments. This Saturday, 18th May for the Night of the Museums in Rome, you can visit another Bramante masterpiece: The Chiostro of Bramante, where painter Justin Bradshaw is showing his Rome Sketchbook.
ReplyDelete