HISTORY AND ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

​

Originally a medieval building, the church of Santa Lucia belonged to the monastic order known as "Silvestrini". Completely rebuilt in the mid-17th century, this church is one of the finest examples of Baroque Art available in the region. 
Its interior boasts outstandingly refined features, such as the wooden altars, stucco works and decorations created by the sculptor of Provençal origin Leonardo Scaglia (mid-17th century). 
The organ, built in 1675 by the Roman maestro Giuseppe Maria Testa (1629-1677), perfectly suits to the Baroque context, offering a stunning visual impact thanks to its richly decorated wood carvings. Recently restored, it is a rare example of ancient instrument preserved in almost all its original details, and still perfectly playable.
Not less remarkable are the choir, made from precious walnut wood, and the polychrome marble altar. The frescoes decorating the vault (1694), the presbytery and the sacristy ceiling were designed and executed by craftsman Giuseppe Malatesta, from Fabriano.
Noteworthy are the paintings adorning the altar, which amount to a true repertoire of Baroque Art. The five oils on canvas crowning the apse depict Stories of St. Lucy and can be considered the masterpiece of the Vicentine artist Pasqualino Rossi (1641-1718), who painted also the altarpieces of the two altars at the entrance, respectively portraying The Virgin of the Assumption (right) and The Virgin of Carmel (left), as well as the four small canvases with Saints that flank the third altar on the right. On the opposite side The Holy Family, with St. Sylvester and the young John the Baptist, a late work by Giuseppe Cesari, known as the Cavalier d'Arpino (1568-1640). It's know also that Giuseppe Cesari welcomed il Caravaggio in his workshop.
The Virgin Appears to St. Hugh, on the second altar on the right, is ascribed to Giovanni Francesco Romanelli da Viterbo (1610-1662), whereas the opposite altarpiece, The Virgin and the Baby adored by St. Catherine and St. Lucy, was painted by anonymous 17th century artist.
In the adjacent cloister stands out the fresco Adam and Eve in Eden by Bruno d’Arcevia (2011), set in the natural habitat of the Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi Regional Natural Park.
Visitors will certainly be fascinated by the richness, the scenographic sumptuousness, the elegance and overall harmony of this incomparable church.