Church of Santa Maria della Verità, Viterbo

The Santa Maria della Verità Church in Viterbo was built on the occasion of a miraculous event. For years, the complex has served as the seat of the Museo Civico. Since 1960, the church has been returned to its original purpose.

A brief history of the Church of Santa Maria della Verità in Viterbo

Highlight of the church is the Cappella Mazzatosta, so called because it was built with the money of the wealthy local businessman Nando Mazzatosta. The frescoes in this chapel are by  Lorenzo di Giacomo (alias Lorenzo da Viterbo), who died at the age of 25 without ever having left the city. The paintings depict, successively, “The Message of Mary”, “The Birth of Christ”, the “Annunciation of the Virgin” and the “Wedding of the Virgin”. The characters have the facial features of important people from Viterbo at the time and are dressed in the typical costumes.

The Santa Maria della Verità Church owes its name to a legend. Three girls were there to pray when the Madonna came to them to say that leading a good life was very important. The story circulated and the bishop, who initially doubted the veracity of the story, continued to question the girls. “It’s the truth” (È la verità), the girls kept repeating.

The city gate across the street was named after the church.

The church was used for many years as the seat of the Museo Civico and has only been reopened as a church since 1960. However, the cloister and the rooms in the former monastery are still being used by this museum.

Opening hours and admission

The address of the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Verità is Via Monte Asolone, 1 – 01100 Viterbo (VT). Telephone: +39 0761341844. Opening hours: Unknown. Admission: Free.

Santa Maria della Verità Church – Via Monte Asolone 1 , Viterbo