Oratory of San Lorenzo

Palermo, Italy

The Oratory of Saint Lawrence was founded in the late 16th century. The building was given to the Conventual Franciscans in order to spread the cult of the saints Francis and Lawrence. In 1699 Giacomo Serpotta realized a sumptuous stucco decoration.

The oratory is particularly famous because of the masterpiece altarpiece Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence (1600 or 1609) by Caravaggio. This important painting was stolen, probably by Cosa Nostra, on October 18, 1969. In 2015 a hi-tech replica of the altarpiece was placed inside the oratory.

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Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Alex D. (5 months ago)
The place is quiet and somewhat discreetly positioned on the narrow streets of Palermo, but very beautiful and well kept. It’s where I learned about stucco and got to admire an original Caravaggio. It is worth it.
Sciences Industrielles (10 months ago)
Don't go there, This is a little room with nothing for 3€
Marta Capsa (16 months ago)
Ia a very small place , but inside are very beautiful sculptures and the guide is very well informed! She made an interesting presentation!
David Vossler (2 years ago)
This oratory of Saint Lawrence was originally not a church, but rather was a meeting place for business guild members to meet and talk. The sculptures lining the upper walls are not marble, but instead have a wooden core covered by a stucco of marble dust. The original Caravaggio painting was stolen in 1969, and was replaced by a reproduction. Benches along each later wall are made from a local hard wood that is inlaid with mother-of-pearl and other materials.
m z (3 years ago)
Absolutely fantabulous place! With a stollen Caravaggio and a gem of stucco sculptures by Giacomo Serpotta
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