San Vittorino

San Vittorino is a Mannerist church built above a natural spring in Villa Grotti near Cittaducale. The stone structure displays architectural details typical of late Renaissance design and now sits partially submerged in the landscape.

The church was completed in 1613 before collapsing into a sinkhole, leaving behind ruins visible to this day. This sudden collapse fundamentally altered how the site was used and perceived over the centuries.

This church once drew pilgrims seeking the healing powers of nearby mineral springs. The ruins now stand as a reminder of how closely worship and natural resources shaped daily life in the region.

Visitors can reach the church ruins via a marked trail with wooden planks that cross waterlogged areas near the thermal springs. The wet ground requires appropriate footwear and weather-resistant clothing for safe exploration.

The submerged ruins served as a filming location for Andrei Tarkovsky's 1983 film Nostalghia, creating a lasting link to cinema history. The waterlogged walls and flowing mineral water created a dreamlike setting that matched the director's poetic vision.

Location: Cittaducale

Architectural style: Mannerist architecture

Address: Strada Statale 4, 6 ‒ 02015 Cittaducale (RI)

GPS coordinates: 42.35622,12.94924

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:01