Descrizione
The Church of St Stephen, a jewel of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, has a history dating back to the 13th century. Over the centuries, it has undergone extensions and restoration work, but its beauty and historical significance have remained intact. Damaged by the earthquake of 1789, the church was restored in the 19th century, thanks to the efforts of the Brancaleoni family, whose members had previously served as rectors of the church.
The building, constructed of sandstone, features a majestic façade and a single-nave interior, characterised by a polygonal apse. Among its precious works of art are the ‘Crucifix’ by Giovanni Santi, the ‘Madonna and Child’ by Luca Signorelli and the ‘Annunciation’ by Perugino, which enrich the visitors’ experience.
Renowned for its architecture and the works of art housed within it, the Church of St Stephen is also remembered for the exceptional commitment of the Brancaleoni family in rebuilding it following the devastating earthquake of 1789. This commitment made it possible not only to preserve the original structure, but also to enrich it with works of art of inestimable value, such as Federico Barocci’s masterpiece *The Rest on the Return of the Holy Family from Egypt*, a unique example of the tempera technique.
