San
Lorenzo Nuovo lies in a panoramic area at 503 metres above
sea level to the north of Lake Bolsena (S.S.Cassia/SS.Maremmana).
In the second half of the 18th century, San
Lorenzo's inhabitants decided to move their homes from the
hollow, unhealthy areas by the lake to a higher and more
liveable place, in order to be safe from the frequent
floods which hit the plains. Pope Clemens XIV commissioned
the work of reconstruction to architect Francesco Navone.
The artist adopted an innovative technique meant to create
the plan of the new town in the style of Copenaghen
Amalienberg Square. Montefiascone has an octagonal shape
with straight, wide streets crossing at a right angle.
A clear sign of the originality of Navove's project is
also the uniformity of the buildings. In fact, very little
differences can be noticed between the nobles' and the
common people's houses, the only exception being San
Lorenzo Martire church, which stands out from all the
other buildings for its considerable height (34 metres).
Navone also created the building complex adjacent to the
Church and Convent of the Cappuccini Fathers situated to
the west side of the Cassia street. It was designed in
such a way that the location of the parish church and that
of the convent should result at the very ends of a huge
axis having the shape of a Latin cross.
The neighbouring areas feature the noticeable church of
Torano and the remains of the church San Giovanni in Val
di Lago. The latter is from the 16th century
and is characterized by a very particular octagonal plan.
San Lorenzo Nuovo is famous for the harmonious symmetry
and linearity of its streets. This thanks to Navone's
genius who created a real masterpiece of architecture, as
well as one of the most attractive and scenic spots
looking over the Lake.
The typical produce
includes potatoes, olive oil, garlic, onions, cereals and
grapes.
|
 |
Surrounded
by numerous ex-voto, the Crucifix of
SS.Crocifisso has been preserved in its fine chapel
for two centuries. It's a 12th century
Byzantine statue made of polychrome wood. In 1778 it
was escorted in a solemn procession from the old
village to the new church.
The Crucifix has been venerated ever since, and
every 15 years it is celebrated during a festivity
called Il Festone which consists of a series
of celebrations lasting two months and ending on 14
September with the SS.Crocifisso feast. It is this
the only time when the Holy Cross is brought out of
the church and exhibited in the streets, finely
decked for the occasion. Everybody joins the
procession: the people, the representatives of the
local authorities, the local band, the SS.Crocifisso
Brotherhood, the flag-wavers with a parade of the
historical cortege.
|
|
This
is the town's most popular feast. Imagine a bustling
square, a warm August evening, about 300 nicely laid
tables, trays full of smoking gnocchi, roasted
sausages, trippa, many other specialities, music and dance
in the lively spirit of the Italian way of living... This
is all you will find in San Lorenzo Nuovo during the
August holiday week. The volunteering crew of the Local
Tourist Office will welcome you warmly and offer you a
very happy time in the unique atmosphere of the town. San
Lorenzo's gnocchi feast is 23 years old and it is
now a fixed destination for the habitual summer tourists,
and a very pleasant surprise for occasional visitors. If
you happen to be in these parts in August, come along to
our Sagra! You'll most certainly enjoy it. |
