Sanctuary of San Donato

The Sanctuary of San Donato, located at the highest point of the village, has a long history dating back over a thousand years. Initially built as a small abbey dependent on the Abbey of Montecassino, the Sanctuary was first mentioned in 778 A.D. when the Duke of Spoleto, Ildebrando, granted the church and the territory of San Donato to the Monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno.

From the original ‘aecclesia’ there are no traces due to the numerous modifications and renovations that led to the current appearance of the Sanctuary. With a length of 26 metres, a width of 12 metres and a dome 18 metres high, the Sanctuary consists of three naves, with the most significant frescoes from the life of the saint in the nave.

According to notes in the parish registers, the rich interior decoration of the Sanctuary was carried out by architects Mastroianni of Rome, Cristoforo Bozzolini and Clemente Forzaretti of Milan around 1780. The adjacent 17-metre high bell tower was built in 1859 and completed in 1921. In 1915, the Sanctuary was restored by the artist Fiorini from Sora, led by Canon Luigi Ippoliti, who also created the popular hymn dedicated to St Donatus Bishop and Martyr.

Recently, the Sanctuary has been restored once again, with a reinvigoration of the colours of the frescoes and interior decorations. The front façade was also restored, bringing back the original beauty of the Sanctuary. The veneration of San Donato demonstrates an ancient bond that united the Castrum Sancti Donati with the lands of Tuscany and Umbria and that continues to this day, with feudal donations between Arezzo and Capua. The Sanctuary of San Donato is a place of history, culture and spirituality that attracts tourists from all over the world.