Bettona

Bettona

The city has Etruscan origins, the only on the east bank of the Tevere.
During the period when the Umbria fell under Roman control, Bettona was elected Town Hall (Vettona) and became part of Clusturmina and Lemonia colonies. In the war between Augusto and Marcantonio, the city sided with the latter, suffering a serious defeat. With the advent of Christianity, Bettona, situated along the via Amerina, one of the most important routes toward the north, it was soon evangelized by Pastor S. Crispolto. During the barbarian invasions also for Bettona began a rapid decline. It came under Byzantine domination and later the Duchy of Spoleto.

Free town since the XII century, it is submitted prior to Assisi. In 1352, following the conquest of Perugia, the city (except the churches) was burned and demolished, 157 local notables were taken prisoner in Perugia and with them the body of St. Crispolto. In 1367 the Cardinal Albornoz ordered the city was rebuilt in a more restricted circle of walls of the previous one, but much more fortified. In 1371 Bettona regained the body of his patron saint and martyr. Bettona came under the rule of the Trinci of Foligno, from 1389 to 1425, when it was granted by the Pope to the Baglioni in Perugia. Bettona from 1648 again became a possession of the Papal States and remained there until national unification.
Among historic monuments is of significant interest is the medieval city wall, which incorporates portions of Etruscan walls. In the Municipal Gallery in the Palace of the Podesta (1371) houses two paintings by Pietro Perugino, the Madonna of Mercy and St. Anthony of Padua and devoted (1512-13).
The parochial church of Santa Maria Maggiore (XIII century), located in the historical center, is the main church of Bettona. Gothic chapel, dedicated to Santa Rita, is the only remaining part of the ancient Roman church. Inside are preserved a Confalone by Perugino and a banner of Niccolò Alunno describing the Crucifixion and Pietà. The Oratory of St. Andrew, is home to splendid frescoes of the school of Giotto, dated 1394, representing the Passion of Christ.

Privacy Policy