Santa Maria della Verità Church
A Viterbo church with a modest exterior, hiding a magnificent interior featuring stunning 15th-century frescoes in the Mazzatosta Chapel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Chapel access often limited
Santa Maria della Verità Church
Best Time
Chapel access often limited
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Viterbo church with a modest exterior, hiding a magnificent interior featuring stunning 15th-century frescoes in the Mazzatosta Chapel.
"The Mazzatosta Chapel is spectacular and alone is worth a visit to Viterbo."
🎯 Check Chapel Access
The Mazzatosta Chapel is the highlight; confirm volunteer opening times for weekend access. :ticket:
✨ Appreciate the Artistry
Don't miss the stunning frescoes and the restored majolica floor inside. :art:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mazzatosta Chapel
Right side of the nave
A marvel of 15th-century painting with spectacular frescoes by Lorenzo da Viterbo.
Majolica Floor
Main nave
A beautifully restored, valuable majolica floor that adds to the church's historical charm.
Medieval Origins
Throughout the church
Discover original elements from its medieval past, offering a glimpse into Viterbo's history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Santa Maria della Verità
Discovering Viterbo's Artistic Treasures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Chapel Access
The Mazzatosta Chapel is the highlight; confirm volunteer opening times for weekend access. :ticket:
✨ Appreciate the Artistry
Don't miss the stunning frescoes and the restored majolica floor inside. :art:
🏛️ Look Beyond the Exterior
The church's modest exterior belies its magnificent interior. :building_construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Chapel Access
The Mazzatosta Chapel is the highlight; confirm volunteer opening times for weekend access. :ticket:
✨ Appreciate the Artistry
Don't miss the stunning frescoes and the restored majolica floor inside. :art:
🏛️ Look Beyond the Exterior
The church's modest exterior belies its magnificent interior. :building_construction:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Santa Maria della Verità to be a hidden gem, with its modest exterior belying a magnificent interior. The Mazzatosta Chapel, featuring spectacular 15th-century frescoes, is consistently praised as the highlight, alongside the beautifully restored majolica floor. While the church offers a space for quiet contemplation, access to its most prized features can be limited, often depending on volunteer availability.
"Ok"
Filippo Moses
"Interesting building. The interior is majestic, single-nave, with a deep choir and transept. Along the right side stands the Mazzatosta Chapel, a titled family that commissioned the chapel itself from Lorenzo da Viterbo: a marvel of fifteenth-century painting in Lazio."
Patrizia Martinelli
"I found the church open on Sunday 4 May and I was lucky enough to see the mezzatosta chapel open and illuminated thanks to the volunteers who, on the occasion of the 2025 jubilee, for one weekend a month, in the summer months, open some churches in Viterbo, which otherwise would remain closed to the public. I thank the volunteers for the service they offer to interested tourists. The chapel deserves and contains valuable frescoes by "Antonio da Viterbo""
Roberta Vigo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santa Maria della Verità is located in a busy area of Viterbo, opposite the eponymous gate. Public transport options within Viterbo are available, and it's also accessible by car, though parking might be challenging in the city center.
While the church is in a central location, its exterior is described as modest. The main draw, the Mazzatosta Chapel, may have limited access, so checking opening times is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main church is generally free. However, access to the prized Mazzatosta Chapel might be restricted and is often opened by volunteers on specific days or during special events.
The church's general opening hours can vary. For specific access to the Mazzatosta Chapel, it's best to inquire locally or check for volunteer schedules, especially during summer months or for special occasions.
While the main church is typically free to enter, there might be a small fee or donation requested for access to the Mazzatosta Chapel, especially if it's opened by volunteers.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Mazzatosta Chapel is widely considered the highlight, featuring spectacular 15th-century frescoes by Lorenzo da Viterbo. The restored majolica floor and the altar with golden stuccos are also noteworthy. +1
Yes, the church houses valuable frescoes, particularly within the Mazzatosta Chapel, which are a significant artistic attraction. +1
The church is a result of post-war reconstruction but retains original elements of its medieval origins. It features a single nave with a deep choir and transept, and is noted for its rare Latin cross plan.
Beyond the Mazzatosta Chapel frescoes, the church boasts a valuable majolica floor, a beautiful altar with golden stuccos, and a sculpted Madonna.
Despite its artistic treasures, the church is described as having few works of art on display, making mystical contemplation its defining characteristic.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The church is located in a busy area of Viterbo, so you'll likely find various dining options nearby, from local trattorias to cafes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary in churches. It's advisable to check for any posted signs or ask church staff before taking pictures, especially of the frescoes.
The Mazzatosta Chapel with its frescoes and the intricately designed majolica floor are prime subjects for photography. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given the potential for limited access to the chapel, it's advisable to plan your visit carefully. If your children have a keen interest in art or history, the frescoes can be a captivating visual experience. Otherwise, it might be a brief stop on a broader Viterbo exploration.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Lovers
Beyond the chapel, the church's medieval origins are still visible, and the restored majolica floor adds another layer of historical and artistic appreciation. The church's unique Latin cross plan and its blend of original elements with post-war reconstruction offer a compelling study in architectural history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic Significance of the Mazzatosta Chapel
The chapel's preservation and restoration have brought these ancient artworks back to life, allowing visitors to appreciate the skill and vision of artists from centuries past. The volunteers who help open the chapel on weekends play a crucial role in making this artistic treasure accessible to the public.
Beyond the frescoes, the chapel also contains valuable elements like the sculpted Madonna and the altar adorned with golden stuccos, further enhancing its artistic and historical value. It's a concentrated dose of Renaissance artistry within the heart of Viterbo.
Understanding the Church's History and Reconstruction
This blend of old and new creates a unique atmosphere. The church is noted for its rare Latin cross plan, a feature that sets it apart. The floor also slopes slightly, adding to its distinct character. Despite the reconstruction, the focus remains on creating a space for mystical contemplation, making it a place of spiritual significance.
Visitors often remark on the church's ability to evoke a sense of history and artistry, even with its reconstructed elements. The preservation of key medieval features, like the Mazzatosta Chapel, ensures that the church remains a valuable historical and cultural site in Viterbo.
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