A large fresco dating from the Middle Ages has been discovered in a church on Rome's Aventine Hill, after being hidden behind an exterior wall for 900 years, reports Italian news agency ANSA.Dating to the mid-12th century, the intact fresco was found on the counter-façade of the Church of S. Alessio and is described as being in extraordinarily good condition.

The fresco is believed to depict "St Alessio and the Pilgrim Christ", according to Claudia Viggiani, the art historian behind the sensational find.  The section of fresco currently visible measures 90 cm wide and more than four metres high. Another portion, at least as large, is still hidden by the wall. Viggiani told ANSA that she is determined to bring it to light: "We owe it to the Romans" - she says - "and we expect more surprises."