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Church · Aosta, Vale de Aosta
Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Orso
Conjunto de Santo Urso, with a church of early Christian origin, 11th‑century frescoes above the nave, a crypt, a 44‑metre Romanesque bell tower and the cloister with carved capitals from the 12th century.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Orso
The collegiate church of São Pedro e Santo Urso stands outside the Roman wall, in the Santo Urso district, near the Arco de Augusto. The site once contained a Roman cemetery and an early Christian church. The building was rebuilt in the 9th century and, at the beginning of the 11th century, Bishop Anselmo I remade it in the Romanesque style. Later it received Gothic additions, such as the façade.
One of Santo Urso’s particular features is hidden: between the roof and the nave’s ceiling survive 11th‑century frescoes from the Ottonian period, showing scenes from the life of Christ and the apostles. A walkway allows close viewing in guided visits. The crypt, with reused Roman columns, lies beneath the choir.
The 12th‑century cloister is the most sought‑after part: it has about 40 marble capitals carved with biblical scenes, animal stories and the life of Santo Urso, a local priest from the 6th century to whom tradition attributes miracles. Beside it, the 44‑metre Romanesque bell tower, isolated in the praça, formed part of the district’s defenses. The priory, with a façade of Renaissance windows, completes the complex.
On 30 and 31 January the Feira de Santo Urso, with more than a thousand years of history, brings together valley craftsmen in the surrounding streets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour, including the cloister and the frescoes.
Best time
In the morning, with light in the cloister. The visit to the attic frescoes is guided and has its own schedule; check before you go.
How to get there
It is in the Santo Urso district, about a 3‑minute walk from the Arco de Augusto and 10 minutes from praça Chanoux.
Tip
Walk through the cloister slowly, capital by capital: each one tells a different story, from the Bible or from the saint's life.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Collegiata dei Santi Pietro e Orso
What to see in Santo Urso?
The cloister with about 40 carved capitals from the 12th century, the 11th-century frescoes above the nave, the crypt and the 44-metre Romanesque bell tower.
How can you see the frescoes of Santo Urso?
On a guided visit, via a walkway between the roof and the nave's ceiling. Check the times before you go.
When is the Santo Urso fair?
On 30 and 31 January, with craftsmen from the valley in the streets around the collegiate church.