Basilica of St Valentine

The Basilica of St Valentine is located about two kilometres from the centre of Terni, on the site of an ancient Christian cemetery, representing one of the most important examples of an early Christian necropolis in Umbria.

Dedicated to the patron saint of the city and of lovers, it was built on the burial site of the martyr, who had been beheaded in Rome along the Via Flaminia and brought back to Terni at night by his disciples. A shrine was first built on his tomb and it was later transformed into an early Christian basilica with five naves.

The classical façade was completed only in 1854. The single-nave interior is of a sober Baroque style, decorated with stucco and it has a vaulted ceiling. The altars have large 17th century paintings, including works by the Flemish painter Lucas de la Haye, Cavalier d'Arpino and Luca Polidori. Under the high altar, the crystal shrine containing the reliquary statue of St Valentine is visible.

The crypt, which constitutes the original nucleus of the church is interesting. A small lapidarium containing many ancient fragments from several excavation campaigns carried out in the area has been set up in an adjacent room. Next to the church there is a large structure of the old convent.