The Longobards in Italy: Places of Power is one of Italy’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is not just one site, but many, a collective homage to a significant period of medieval history. So what are the buildings included in this list, and why are they so important?
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Who Were The Longobards?
First, who were the Longobards? Also known as the Lombards, they were people of Germanic origin who invaded northern Italy in the early Middle Ages. They established the Kingdom of the Lombards, gradually extending their influence until they occupied most of the Italian peninsula. The Lombard Kingdom lasted from 568 to 774.
The Longobards brought their own cultural values with them, introducing their existing social structures and traditions. At the same time they sought to absorb the Byzantine influences that were prevalent in the region. This synthesis created a unique artistic heritage.
Longobards In Italy: Places Of The Power
The UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Longobards in Italy. Places of the Power (568-774 A.D.) includes seven groups of historic buildings across the country. These include churches, monasteries and fortresses, selected for their architectural and religious significance.
According to UNESCO these properties, taken together, represent “the Lombards’ major role in the spiritual and cultural development of Medieval European Christianity, notably by bolstering the monastic movement”. They mark the transition from the end of the Roman world to the Middle Ages, and reflect a variety of styles, from Roman to Germanic to Byzantine.
The Longobard Sites In Italy
The Longobard sites in the UNESCO World Heritage list can be found in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lombardy, Umbria, Campania and Puglia.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Arguably the most important locations are to be found in Cividale del Friuli, capital of the first Lombard duchy in Italy. This was the site of the magnificent episcopal complex commissioned by Patriarch Callisto in 737, and today you can see numerous historical buildings here. These include the Longobard Temple (Tempietto Longobardo) and the Christian Museum of the Dome. The latter houses the Ratchis Altar and the Baptistry of Callisto, both regarded as important Lombard monuments.
Also in Cividale is the National Archaeological Museum, where you will learn more about the Longobards and their heritage.
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Umbria
There are two Longobard locations in Umbria: the Basilica of San Salvatore at Spoleto and the Temple of Clitumnus at Campello sul Clitunno.
Basilica Of San Salvatore
The early Christian church of San Salvatore in Spoleto was built in the 4th or 5th century but extensively renovated by the Lombards. Unfortunately the building is not currently accessible, but you can admire the rich architecture of the façade, and peek into the interior from the main door.
Temple Of Clitumnus
The Temple of Clitumnus (Clitunno Tempietto) is another early Christian building adopted by the Lombards. It is remarkable for being an assemblage of elements from earlier Roman structures.
Lombardy
Lombardy has two sites: the Museo di Santa Guilia in Brescia and the remains of the church and monastery of Castelseprio.
Museo Di Santa Giulia
The City Museum in Brescia is housed in the former monastic complex of San Salvatore – Santa Giulia. This not to be missed site incorporates not just the Monastery of Santa Giulia, but also Roman remains, churches and an art gallery. Read more here – Brescia: An Underrated Tourist Destination.
Castelseprio
The remains of the Lombard village of Castelseprio are now maintained as an archaeological park. This includes the castrum (fortress) and the Torba Tower, the only remaining part of the monastery that once stood here. However, the main attraction of the site is the small Church of Santa Maria and its early medieval frescoes. Probably dating from the 9th century, these are of considerable artistic significance and prized for their Byzantine influence.
Puglia
The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant’Angelo is an ancient pilgrimage site that the Lombards adopted as a national sanctuary after they conquered the Gargano Peninsula. The Sanctuary is housed in a cave, and it is reputed that the Archangel Michael appeared here in the 5th century. It is still a place of pilgrimage today. Read more – A Day In Monte Sant’Angelo.
Campania
The final site is the Santa Sofia Complex in Benevento. Based around the Church of Santa Sofia, this also includes the Arch of Trajan and the Roman Theatre. The church is noted for its architecture, with Romanesque, Byzantine and Lombard influences, and contains impressive frescoes and a number of Roman sarcophagi.
