Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Christian of Mainz

The church was erected over an older structure, likely once an ancient Roman Temple. It was probably consecrated in 1175, as there is an inscription with this date. The façade, which stands behind the portico, has three portals, framed by elaborate sculptural stone decorations. Seen over the left door are two eagles. These may reflect the presence of archbishop Christian of Mainz (aka "Christian von Buch") here. He was Barbarossa´s chancellor and imposed a ferocious repression after Narni had risen against Barbarossa.

Like most towns in Umbria, Narni has a very long history. During the final stage of the Roman Empire, the Ostrogoths, led by Totila, looted the town, then came the Longobards, followed by the Sarascens. Within the 11th century it was property of Matilda of Tuscany (aka "Matilde di Canossa"). In 1167 the town rose against Barbarossa, what ended in a ferocious repression imposed by Barbarossa's chancellor the archbishop Christian of Mainz (aka "Christian von Buch"). Within the 14th century it was included in the reconquest of the papal patrimony by Cardinal Albornoz, who commissioned Ugolino di Montemarte with plans for the buildings around the "Piazza dei Priori", now partly hidden by fog.