The church of San Salvatore This church is built over a Roman structure (1st century AD) and before it is thought to have been a pagan temple dedicated to the Sun. The structure could also be that of a Roman domus, perhaps a house church of circular shape from the early Christian period . The apse and rotunda belong to the original structure. Their original function has been extensively studied, but it is not clear whether they served as a mausoleum, an oratory or a baptistery. Early studies led to a very early date for this part of the structure, but more modern work suggests that it dates to the 11th century. The nave and the facade seem to have been added in the 12th century. The facade is in Romanesque style. The church is formed by a circular apse and a rectangular nave. The presbytery, of very ancient origin, probably dates back to Classical or early Christian times. The Manassei Chapel was built on the left of the nave, the right side of the chapel was badly damaged in the bombing of the Second World War and restored subsequently, and also its precious Frescoes of the14th century. They depict: the Crucifixion with the Virgin and St John the Evangelist (on the left);St John the Baptist (also on the left); Mary Magdalene and Catherine of Siena.
The medieval side of Terni can best be seen by looking at the characteristics of some of the buildings, such as Palazzo Spada and the Tower of the Barbarasa.
Palazzo Spada, the town hall of the city of Terni, was built for the Spada family in XVI century and designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. It currently serves as the town hall for the city of Terni. The palace originally comprised two wings with a garden between them. Its facade was in Via Roma. The garden was paved in the 18th century to form an inner courtyard and the present façade, with its three arches was built across what was then the back of the building. Steps in the courtyard lead to the main hall, called Phaëton Hall , which is named for its frescoes . In the centre of the ceiling of the Phaëton Hall, which is currently used as the seat of the city council, there is in fact a great fresco which represents Phaëton punished by Jupiter. All main floor rooms are decorated with XVI century frescoes, to which were added newer decorations in the 18th century. After being handed over to the municipal administration of Terni, it was restored to render it fit for its new destination as the city's town hall.
Piazza della Repubblica
The main square of the town is Piazza della Repubblica (the old Roman Forum and the place where the orthogonal cardo and decumanus intersected ) In it stands out the great palace, recently restored, which was the seat of the previous town hall of the city of Terni. Today, it houses the modern public library . After its restoration, the old tower of the palace, which was destroyed during the bombing of the WW II has been replaced by a modern glass tower inspired by the drop of water of the Marmore waterfalls.