Discover Capitone: Gate and Churches

Capitone stands on a gentle hill and preserves remnants of its former fortifications. The town’s character can be explored through several concrete landmarks: a surviving 14th-century gate, churches in and outside the historic centre, and historic links to Narni and Amelia. These places tell different aspects of Capitone’s history: its architecture, religious significance and location between two cities.

Gate, Fortifications and Townscape

The surviving entrance gate of the original fortifications consists of two arches set into a square tower. It dates from the 14th century. Together, the gate and tower form a distinctive entrance from the period when the town was fortified; further remnants of the former complex also survive. The gate can therefore be viewed in the context of the earlier defensive system.

Just outside the historic centre stands a watchtower, now incorporated into the buildings of a farm. Its location outside the centre and its integration into the farm distinguish it from the remains of the fortifications in the town. The structures thus show different forms in which Capitone’s former protective and defensive works have survived.

Churches and Historic Traces

The Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo stands in the historic centre and is Capitone’s most important religious building. S. Andrea Apostolo is a parish in Capitone. The first document to mention the Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo is the “Redditus in Episcopatu Nar.” from 1191. The church can therefore be understood both in terms of its importance in the town centre and its early written mention.

Another church is the small Chiesa di Sant’Angelo, outside the walls near the cemetery. Its portal is dated 1484. The church contains a Madonna and Child from the 15th century. Some attribute the work to Pier Matteo d’Amelia; this attribution should therefore not be taken as confirmed authorship.

The church of Madonna delle Sbarre lies outside the ancient Castrum Capitonis, near the boundary markers between Narni and Amelia. The Castello di Capitone is also linked to its location between the two cities: it was disputed and remained under the rule of the Capitone family of the same name for many years. These places highlight different historical aspects, from religious use and the location of boundary markers to the history of the Castello’s rule.

Getting Around and Views

Capitone can be explored on foot. If you arrive by car, you can park outside the fortified walls; a car park near the main entrance to the Castello di Capitone is recommended. Check local conditions before your visit. From Narni Scalo, Via Capitonese (SP29) leads to the Castello di Capitone, providing a specific landmark for your journey.

The road towards Narni offers another perspective: from there, you can enjoy a view of the city and the entire valley. Together with the hilltop setting, this view adds a sense of the landscape to the historic buildings, without reducing the sights to a single route or place to visit.

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For the main travel guide: Terni.