Church of San Fortunato

The Church of San Fortunato is a church in Perugia, located in Piazza Braccio Fortebraccio, between Via Pinturicchio and Via Bartolo, in the northern part of the historical center of the city.

The church, one of the oldest in Perugia, is dedicated to Saint Fortunatus of Todi.

SHORT HISTORY

According to tradition, the church was built on the ruins of an Etruscan structure, not far from the Arch of Augustus. However, the presence of the church is attested since 1163.

Around 1630, the Sylvestrines (Congregazione Silvestrina) moved here from the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, which in turn was sold to the Servants of Mary. The Church of San Fortunato was rebuilt starting with 1634.

In 2017, after long restoration works following the 1997 earthquake, the church was reopened for worship, and also became a multipurpose space for cultural activities.

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

On the facade of the church, there is a round arched portal, surmounted by a rose window. Above the rose window, there is a mullioned window in the center, and two other single windows on the sides. The portal and the windows have terracotta frames.

The roof and the bell-gable are remains of the medieval church.

Inside, the church has a single nave, and is decorated with altars in gilded wood, works by Leonard Chailleau, a French artist of the 17th century.

At the end of the choir, there is a painting by the Mannerist painter Silla Piccinini from 1585, depicting the Madonna with San Fortunato and San Giorgio.

In the apse, recent restorations have revealed frescoes dating back to a period between the 13th and 14th centuries.

HOW TO GET THERE

The Church of Saint Fortunatus is located about 2.2 kilometers away from the Perugia railway station. The closest bus stop is in Piazza Braccio Fortebraccio, located near the church, on the bus Lines 117, C, F, Z2, Z3, Z20 and Z21.