Roman Amphitheatre (1st century AD)
The Ancient Roman side of Terni can best be seen by looking at the Faustus Amphitheatre. In the park “La Passeggiata” we can see the remains of the so-called Faustus Amphitheatre, an oval arena of elliptical shape. The Roman Amphitheatre in Terni, built in 32 AD, was originally the arena where gladiators fought. It could accommodate some 10,000 spectators in five concentric rows. Only one storey survives, but the remains of an upper storey are depicted in a sketch (late 15th century) by Francesco di Giorgio Martini that is now in the Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence. The arena ellipse and the entry gates are easily recognisable. In summer the structure is used for shows and concerts.
The Cathedral
It is the seat of the bishop of Terni-Narni-Amelia. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The present cathedral is the result of a long series of re-buildings and repairs over the centuries. In fact although it has preserved its 17th-century structure, it dates back to earlier times, as witnessed by the crypt and the remains of sacred early Christian buildings, built in the XI century. The front presents a wide portico with a double colonnade, three doors open from the portico in Romanesque style, decorated with friezes. The upper part of the frontage is modern, containing a balustrade in travertine and statues of eight bishops of Terni, among them Saint Valentine. The interior structure of the church is a Latin cross with a central nave between two side aisles and side chapels. The works of art include: The choir of the XVI century, the frescoes of the side chapels, paintings attributed to the school of Guercino, the fine organ of the 17th century designed by Bernini. The original campanile, which stood in front and to the left of the Duomo, was destroyed in the earthquake of 1703. The present structure was built in 1738-40.
The Barbarasa Tower
The tower, in Romanesque style and dating back to the 13th century, was a military structure. It was built to defend the city as a sighting tower. The top of the building is decorated with a series of arches and in this tower the dead bodies of executed criminals were hanged. A plaque on the side of the tower commemorates the event in which, on June 21, 1657, following a terrible plague epidemic, the bishop of the town walked in procession from the cathedral to the tower with the relic of the Precious Blood, to bless and infuse courage and hope to the people of Terni gathered in prayer.