[3] The oratory was part of a Benedictine monastery, Santa Maria Assunta, that was established in the Carolingian era.

[4] The oratory was believed to have been constructed over the tomb of San Pellegrino of Syria, a saint evidently highly regarded in this area, but little is known about him.

Above, 3 rows of narratives represent scenes from the childhood of Christ, the Passion, the Last Judgment, the lives of St. Pellegrino and other saints, and months of the calendar.

At least 3 different artists are thought to have produced the paintings, which owe a strong debt to Byzantine-Roman medieval traditions.

[7] Scholars have also noted a strong interest in lively naturalism in many of the frescoes, suggesting influences of northern Gothic art.