Church of Santa Caterina

The Church of Santa Caterina, more accurately referred to as a chapel due to its small dimensions (6.27 x 4.83 m), is located at the summit of Roccantica.

The building has been documented since 1343 in the Registrum omnium ecclesiarum diocesis sabinensis, where it is listed with the dedication to “Sancte Marie et Sancte Catherine.”

In the 15th century, the chapel was acquired by Armelleo de Bastonis, who was appointed by Pope Martin V as the governor and castellan of the Sabina village. Armelleo transformed the chapel into an intimate space, celebrating his family’s power, and intended it to host the marriage of his son Antonio to Lucia Trinci, daughter of Bartolomeo Trinci. The wedding took place on January 2, 1432, and the chapel was beautifully decorated with frescoes for the occasion.

Armelleo de Bastonis was the primary promoter of the chapel’s pictorial decoration, which was executed by the painter Pietro Coleberti da Piperno, as evidenced by his signature in Gothic script. The work was completed in 1430. The frescoes in the chapel are a fine example of architecture and decoration tied to the courtly and religious traditions of the time.

A place rich in history and charm, the Church of Santa Caterina is today one of the symbols of the village of Roccantica, a testament to its noble past and great artistic value.