Best Western
Hotel Viterbo

Church of Saint Sisto

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Just after passing Porta Romana, this interesting Romanesque, created in the 9th century on a pagan temple, was later enlarged in the 12th century. Externally it presents a simple façade divided in threes parts and still conserves an antique Lombard 9th century bell tower; the apsidal part of it faces the outside of the surrounding wall belt.
The inside is divided in three naves, articulated with inflated stemmed columns in the central part, surmounted with leafed capitals. The last two columns, on both sides, composed of a semicolon band reminding us of a plant, are worth noting.
A stairway leads to the presbytery closed by three apses where below one can admire a very antique crypt.
It is the simplicity of the stone which speaks and creates a mystic atmosphere enriched even more by a Romanesque altar with 15th century bas-relief done on precious stone by Neri di Bicci.