Santa Maria del Ponte (1716 - 22) 

A chapel existed here from at least the 12th century, incorporated into a Roman structure that was probably associated with the nearby Ponte di Augusto.  It fell into disuse until 1714, when a hunter rediscovered it in the undergrowth.  The rediscovery of a fresco of the Madonna and Child on the wall of the chapel excited particular veneration.

The present church was duly built, incorporating the rediscovered chapel behind the Baroque high altar, on the model of the Marian sanctuary at Loreto.  It was consecrated in 1728.  The facade suffered bombing damage sustained in the Second World War and was rebuilt in 1946. 

Frescoes in the Original Chapel

Madonna and Child (12th century)

This detached fresco, which is now framed and hangs on the right of the back wall, is the venerated image whose rediscovery prompted the building of the present church.  The Child blesses with His right hand and holds a scroll in His left hand that reads: "EGO SUM VIA" (I am the way).  Cardinal Carlo Maria Sacripante crowned the figures in 1754, using a golden crown donated by the Chapter of St Peter's, Rome.

Christ Enthroned with Saints (12th century)

This fresco originally covered the back wall.  At the centre was a large figure of Christ enthroned, but only His right arm and left hand survive.  The smaller figures to the left are (from right to left) SS Peter, John the Evangelist, Juvenal and Antony Abbot.  The remains of another (probably later) fresco of the Madonna and Child can be seen below them. 

Other Frescoes (12th century)

Traces of frescoes survive on the side walls:

• St Michael and a bishop saint on the left; and

• the Crucifixion on the right.

Return to the Narni Scalo walk.