The Archpriest Church of SS. Salvatore is one of the oldest buildings in Proceno and stands as a spiritual and architectural landmark for the village. Built on a medieval layout, its origins date back to the early 13th century. Inside, it holds significant artistic, historical and devotional elements. Although no certain documentation exists regarding its foundation, the church is dated to the early 13th century based on architectural elements such as the gothic arch separating the central nave from the presbytery and the travertine portal, similar to that of the contemporary Church of San Martino. The current building replaced a smaller church with a single nave and wooden truss roofing. The apse incorporates parts of an ancient pre-medieval fortress, whose tower served as the original bell tower, called “Il Maschio.” The façade, reconstructed in the early 1900s by Paolo Zampi, retains the original 13th-century portal and includes three terracotta niches: two host statues of Saint Joseph and Saint Agnes of Montepulciano, and a central window. The rose window and lunette above the portal, also in terracotta, depict SS. Salvatore and feature rich decorative details.
Interior: transformations and works of art
Over the centuries, the interior underwent various modifications. Following the 1919 earthquake and 19th-century restorations, the original single hall was converted into a structure with three naves separated by five arches on pillars, with a central presbytery. The two side chapels suggest a Latin cross layout.
Main artworks include:
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High altar in Baroque style (c. 1730), featuring a 15th-century tabernacle and a silver reliquary from 1718 containing a relic from the Holy Land.
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Presbytery vault, frescoed in 1894 by Paolo Tavani, depicting the prophets Moses, Elijah, David, and Zechariah.
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Frescoes from the Sienese school, 14th century, illustrating the life of Saint Anthony the Abbot.
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Canvas of the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, late 17th century.
On the left aisle is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart , which houses the seventeenth-century painting The Miracle of the Holy Water and access to the former Oratory of the Confraternity of Sant'Antonio Abate. Not far away, a wooden statue of San Sebastiano from the 15th-16th century.
On the opposite side, the right nave ends with the chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes .
Side chapels and annexes
On the left nave is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, with a 17th-century painting The Miracle of Holy Water and access to the former Oratory of the Confraternity of Saint Anthony the Abbot. Nearby is a wooden statue of Saint Sebastian from the 15th–16th century.
On the right side is the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The former Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, accessible both internally and externally, dates back to 1522 and preserves:
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A Sienese fresco from the early 14th century showing a Madonna and Child enthroned.
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A 15th-century panel of Saint Anthony of Padua.
This church, a testament to centuries of faith, transformation, and art, remains one of the most significant spiritual landmarks in Proceno.
Where
Corso Regina Margherita, 2, 01020 Proceno VT, Italia
