BISHOP OF VENTAROLI

The current medieval basilica of Ventaroli dates back to the 11th century and it was built on a pre-existing early Christian basilica from the 5th century. It still retains the name of Santa Maria in Foro Claudio, in memory of the Roman city of Forum Claudii, founded on the oldest Pelasgian settlement of Caleno.

The architectural layout repeats the desiderian compositional scheme of the most famous basilica of Sant'Angelo in Formis,near Casertavecchia. The most interesting part is represented by the frescoes dating from the 9th to the 16th century, in particular the 13th century fresco in the central apse depicting the Virgin enthroned among incensed angels. The fresco also preserves an interesting historical inscription from the Swabian period.