... the historic centre
The Duomo or cathedral, built on the highest point in town, has undergone numerous alterations. Surviving features of the original Romanesque construction include the portal with a large decorated vault, a stone cross, and the octagonal apse. In the aftermath of damage inflicted by Frederick Il the Duomo was rebuilt in 1448 in the Franciscan style of Umbria with large arches and exposed beams. In the 18C the cathedral was redone in the neoclassical style. The Patron Saint of Nocera, S. Rinaldo, was also Bishop. The body of S. Rinaldo, who died in 1217, is kept in the Duomo. Of interest is the Chapel of the Madonna with canvases by Giulio Cesare Angeli executed in 1619, as well as stucco decorations by Francesco Silva di Morbio.
The Campanaccio is a keep dating from the 11C and the only surviving portion of the stronghold known as the Rocca.
The Church of S. Francesco, now used as a gallery and civic museum contains frescoes by Matteo da Gualdo and an altar in the Gothic style. Of admirable quality are the 1483 polyptych by Nicolò Alunno, the 1498 oil-painting on wood by Matteo da Gualdo, and a Franciscan cross dating from the second half of the 13C. Various sculptures and paintings by local artists enhance the collection. Also on display is an archaeological exhibit with objects frown the Palaeolithic, Neolithic. Roman and Early Medieval eras.
The Church of S. Filippo is in Gothic style as reworked by architect Luigi Poletti in 1886.
The Church of S. Chiara contains gilded wood altars, as well as three canvas (1642) by Carlo Maratta and a very fine choir in the Venetian style.
The Church of S. Giovanni has a Gothic portal, a 16C door and gilded wood altars as well as 17C and 18C paintings.
In addition to the previously mentioned Campanaccio, noteworthy civic monuments include La Palombara, a watchtower from the Byzantine era; and Porta S. Francesco, the city gate now known as Porta Vecchia. The Museo della Civiltà Contadina is a museum housing some 2000 artefacts illustrating the former rural civilisation. The museum is Iocated at a school called the Scuola Sperimentale (I.T.l.).
The Biblioteca Piervissani is a library boasting some 35,000 volumes of historic and cultural value.
... environs of Nocera Umbra
The Nocera Umbra area has a wealth of hamlets which at one time or another played a defensive role or carried on other significant activities. Worthy of mention are the castles at Postignano, Colle and Salmaregia; the medieval villa at Cese; the Collecroce highland plateau; and the frescoes in the Church of Acciano and the Church of Bagnara.
Monte Alago and Monte Pennino are mountain locations known for their healthy climate; both place offer accommodations for visitors.
