Church of Sant'Oronzo

It stands as a protection over the grotto where, according to tradition, the Saint lived and evangelised the local population during the apostolic age. Its construction dates back to the apparition of the Saint in 1726 to the Franciscan Fra Tommaso da Carbonara, who was instructed that the site should be consecrated once and for all, as a multitude of faithful would soon come to visit.

Thus, in 1727, work began on the external “lucernario,” built to safeguard the ancient entrance to the grotto. The church, begun in 1727, presents an imposing structure with a “wind-swept” façade and a Greek cross–shaped plan. The central area features an elegant white stone staircase with wrought iron railings, leading down twelve metres into the grotto.

On the sole balcony along the staircase stands the Chapel of the Crucifix, housing the crucifix used in the procession of 3 May 1726 by Fra Tommaso da Carbonara, in fulfilment of the Saint’s request. The church is equipped with three altars adorned with paintings depicting “Saint Oronzo Blessing with the Angels,” “Saint Peter of Alcantara Appearing to Saint Teresa of Ávila,” and the “Virgin with Saint John of Capestrano and Saint Andrew Avellino.”

Following extensive and commendable restoration works, the church was reopened for devotion in the year 2000.