Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Duchy of Spoleto

Atri was known as Hadria, when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Actually Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The church of St. Nicholas di Bari was first mentioned in 1181 in a bull of Pope Lucius III. The construction of the church, therefore, goes around the second half of the 12th century. Today`s church is the result of a reconstruction that took place in 1256.

Atri - Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta Atri was known as Hadria when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The present cathedral has several predecessor buildings, that were founded in the ruins of a Roman thermal from the 2nd century. It was consecrated in 1223. Reconstructions occurred during the following two centuries. The sober white stone façade has a large portal designed by Raimondo del Poggio and Rainaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305. The interior of the cathedral was once covered with frescoes. Some were rediscovered in the 19th and 20th centuries under a thick layer of plaster. This fresco was created in the middle of the 14th century by an anonymous painter called "Maestro di Offida" (Master of Offida). Only the central part of this work has been preserved and shows the nursing Madonna and Child (Madonna del Latte) between three saints.

Atri was known as Hadria, when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Actually Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The present cathedral has several predecessor buildings, that were founded in the ruins of a Roman thermal from the 2nd century. It was consecrated in 1223. Reconstructions occurred during the following two centuries. The sober white stone façade has a large portal designed by Raimondo del Poggio and Rainaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305. The interior of the cathedral was once covered with frescoes. Some were rediscovered in the 19th and 20th centuries under a thick layer of plaster. From the 13th century comes "The Meeting of the Three Living and the Three Dead." The story goes back to a legend that tells how three noblemen meet three dead while hunting. The living are on the right (with horses and servants). On the left side are the dead. Two skeletons are standing, the third is just coming out of the coffin. The motif is a "Memento Mori", which found its climax in the many "Danse Macabre" (Dance of Death) in the times of the plague.

Atri was known as Hadria, when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Actually Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The present cathedral has several predecessor buildings, that were founded in the ruins of a Roman thermal from the 2nd century. It was consecrated in 1223. Reconstructions occurred during the following two centuries. The sober white stone façade has a large portal designed by Raimondo del Poggio and Rainaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305. The size of the Cathedral is 56.60 m long and 24.70 m wide.

Atri was known as Hadria, when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Actually Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The present cathedral has several predecessor buildings, that were founded in the ruins of a Roman thermal from the 2nd century. It was consecrated in 1223. Reconstructions occurred during the following two centuries. The sober white stone façade has a large portal designed by Raimondo del Poggio and Rainaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305. The right side wall of the cathedral has three portals. This portal was created in 1305 by Rainaldo d'Atri in Gothic style. The fresco representing the Coronation of Mary was executed an unknown artist. This portal is a "Porta Sancta" ("Holy Door"). There are only a few churches in the world that have a "Porta Sancta" and the plenary indulgence associated with it. In 1295 the Porta Sancta of Atri is mentioned, which was built in that period. It is assumed that originally there must have been a small portal, which was then replaced by the present one in 1305. Even today the Holy Door is solemnly opened on August 14 in the presence of thousands of people and closed 8 days later, on August 22.

Atri was known as Hadria, when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Actually Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The present cathedral has several predecessor buildings, that were founded in the ruins of a Roman thermal from the 2nd century. It was consecrated in 1223. Reconstructions occurred during the following two centuries. The sober white stone façade has a large portal designed by Raimondo del Poggio and Rainaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305. The right side wall of the cathedral has three portals. Here you can see the back two.

Atri was known as Hadria, when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Actually Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The present cathedral has several predecessor buildings, that were founded in the ruins of a Roman thermal from the 2nd century. It was consecrated in 1223. Reconstructions occurred during the following two centuries. The sober white stone façade has a large portal designed by Raimondo del Poggio and Rainaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305.

Atri was known as Hadria, when the Romans founded a colony here in 282BC. Actually Roman emperor Hadrian's family originally derived from this place. After the fall of the Roman Imperium, the Lombards established hegemony over the area in the 6th century and Atri got annexed to the Duchy of Spoleto. The Lombards were displaced by the Normans, whose noble House of Acquaviva family ruled the town from about 1393, before merging their lands into the Kingdom of Naples in 1757. The present cathedral has several predecessor buildings, that were founded in the ruins of a Roman thermal from the 2nd century. It was consecrated in 1223. Reconstructions occurred during the following two centuries. The sober white stone façade has a large portal designed by Raimondo del Poggio and Rainaldo d'Atri between 1288 and 1305. The church includes a campanile (56 meters) high, which was completed by Antonio da Lodi in the 15th century.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The legendary "Cafe Meletti" is also located in Piazza del Popolo. Since 1907, it has not only served coffee and cakes, but also "Anisetta Meletti", an anise liqueur. The cafe is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. Until 1907, the building housed the post and telegraph office.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The square is dominated by the facade of the "Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo", a symbol of political power. Here resided the Capitano del Popolo, who held the position of head of the militia and exercised legislative power. On the north side, the Gothic church of San Francesco.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The baptistery is located next to the cathedral. The interior of the structure may have been an antique temple on Ascoli's forum. This temple was used as a baptistery already by the 6th century. The baptistery's first restoration came prior to the 9th century, with interventions following in the 10th and 11th centuries. The octagonal building originally had three entrances, symbolizing the Holy Trinity.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The current cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions that took place between the 5th and 16th centuries. Some remains show that the first temple was built on a pre-existing Roman building as early as the 4th or 5th century. Archaeological findings prove that the cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman forum. Between the 5th and 6th centuries, the building underwent its first transformation, which gave the complex the shape of a Latin cross. Between 746 and 780, the Lombard bishop Euclere added the dome with an octagonal plan. This was completed in the 11th century, when the Romanesque structure was finished with the construction of the façade and, above all, the construction of the crypt to keep the relics of Saint Emidio. At the same time the construction of the two towers began. The building kept its Romanesque forms until the last quarter of the fifteenth century. In 1481 the contract for the demolition of the old facade was signed. The current façade was built between 1529 and 1539 according to a design by Nicola Filotesio (alias "Cola dell'Amatrice"). The crypt has eleven naves. It was remodeled in the Baroque style, but there are some remains from the Romanesque period.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The current cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions that took place between the 5th and 16th centuries. Some remains show that the first temple was built on a pre-existing Roman building as early as the 4th or 5th century. Archaeological findings prove that the cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman forum. Between the 5th and 6th centuries, the building underwent its first transformation, which gave the complex the shape of a Latin cross. Between 746 and 780, the Lombard bishop Euclere added the dome with an octagonal plan. This was completed in the 11th century, when the Romanesque structure was finished with the construction of the façade and, above all, the construction of the crypt to keep the relics of Saint Emidio. At the same time the construction of the two towers began. The building kept its Romanesque forms until the last quarter of the fifteenth century. In 1481 the contract for the demolition of the old facade was signed. The current façade was built between 1529 and 1539 according to a design by Nicola Filotesio (alias "Cola dell'Amatrice"). The crypt has eleven naves. It was remodeled in the Baroque style, but there are some remains from the Romanesque period.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The current cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions that took place between the 5th and 16th centuries. Some remains show that the first temple was built on a pre-existing Roman building as early as the 4th or 5th century. Archaeological findings prove that the cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman forum. Between the 5th and 6th centuries, the building underwent its first transformation, which gave the complex the shape of a Latin cross. Between 746 and 780, the Lombard bishop Euclere added the dome with an octagonal plan. This was completed in the 11th century, when the Romanesque structure was finished with the construction of the façade and, above all, the construction of the crypt to keep the relics of Saint Emidio. At the same time the construction of the two towers began. The building kept its Romanesque forms until the last quarter of the fifteenth century. In 1481 the contract for the demolition of the old facade was signed. The current façade was built between 1529 and 1539 according to a design by Nicola Filotesio (alias "Cola dell'Amatrice"). Unfortunately, the vault could not be seen due to necessary renovation work.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry, and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt, and later on, Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. The current cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions that took place between the 5th and 16th centuries. Some remains show that the first temple was built on a pre-existing Roman building as early as the 4th or 5th century. Archaeological findings prove that the cathedral was built on the remains of the Roman forum. Between the 5th and 6th centuries, the building underwent its first transformation, which gave the complex the shape of a Latin cross. Between 746 and 780, the Lombard bishop Euclere added the dome with an octagonal plan. This was completed in the 11th century, when the Romanesque structure was finished with the construction of the façade and, above all, the construction of the crypt to keep the relics of Saint Emidio. At the same time, the construction of the two towers began. The building kept its Romanesque forms until the last quarter of the fifteenth century. In 1481 the contract for the demolition of the old facade was signed. The current façade was built between 1529 and 1539 according to a design by Nicola Filotesio (alias "Cola dell'Amatrice"). The Christmas market is held in the square in front of the Duomo. Some gifts are still hanging from the parachutes.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio is located in Piazza Ventidio Basso, the hub of medieval commercial activity. It is a Romanesque church, supplemented in the 14th century with Gothic features. The characteristic square design of the façade corresponds to the style of the Assisi Cathedral. In its current form, the church is the result of works, restorations, and additions completed in 1389. Some scholars believe that a semi-subterranean oratory existed as early as the 4th-6th centuries. Others suggest that it was built in the 8th or 9th century. From this period come the reconstructions of the crypt, later added: the apse, the bell tower, the portal with the sculptural group, and the side aisles.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio is located in Piazza Ventidio Basso, the hub of medieval commercial activity. It is a Romanesque church, supplemented in the 14th century with Gothic features. The characteristic square design of the façade corresponds to the style of the Assisi Cathedral. In its current form, the church is the result of works, restorations, and additions completed in 1389. Some scholars believe that a semi-subterranean oratory existed as early as the 4th-6th centuries. Others suggest that it was built in the 8th or 9th century. From this period come the reconstructions of the crypt, later added: the apse, the bell tower, the portal with the sculptural group, and the side aisles.

In 268 BC Ascoli became a Roman "civitas foederata" but after it had revolted against Rome, it was reconquered and destroyed by Pompeius Strabo in 89BC. During the Middle Ages Ascoli was ravaged by the Ostrogoths and then by the Lombards. After nearly two centuries as part of the Lombard Duchy of Spoleto (593–789), Ascoli was ruled by the Franks but ultimately it was the bishops that gained influence and power over the city. In 1189 a free republican municipality was established but it experienced the sacking and destruction by the imperial armies of Frederick II. Municipal freedoms got undermined by factional struggles between the most prominent families. The internal unrest between opposing factions did not cease, leading to decades of rebellions, massacres, raids, the growth of banditry and the decline of civil virtues. This unstable situation opened the way to foreign dictatorships, such as condottiero (mercenary) Galeotto Malatesta (14th century) who is driven out by a revolt and later on Francesco Sforza who established a cruel dictatorship (15th century) which was overthrown in 1482, even if Ascoli was forced to recognize the sovereignty of the Church. The town was called "Ascoli" until 1862, when "Piceno" was added, evoking the Picenes, which lived between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. here. Outside the medieval city center there are some large turn-of-the-century buildings designed in the Art Nouveau style.