The Santa Lucia temple stands in the district of the same name along the panoramic road overlooking the sea, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city of San Benedetto del Tronto. It is a small and pretty rural church to which the people of San Benedetto are very devoted. In fact, the temple is dedicated to patron saint of the blindBecause of her name, Lucia (from “lux”: light, sight) has become the protector of sight over the centuries through popular devotion.
The construction of the Santa Lucia temple
Presumably rebuilt on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple, this small construction was built by Bernardino Voltattorni in 1776. In fact, the land falls within the properties of the ancient and wealthy Voltattorni family. The temple, in its current and modest architectural forms, presents a hut-shaped structure. And an entrance surmounted by a round arch.
Le 2016 earthquakes, which struck central Italy, damaged part of the façade beyond the arch. This caused a visible crack. On either side of the entrance door are two tiny windows with cross-shaped bars. Above the entrance arch are bricked up commemorative plaques bearing the Lateran coat of arms. In addition, the construction dates and the Voltattorni family coat of arms.
The peculiarity of the bell tower
Along the right lateral flank, in a rear position, is placed a small bell gable with a single arch that houses the bell. Precisely because of its simplicity and essentiality, this type of bell tower was in vogue during the Romanesque and Gothic periods. Especially in smaller churches, like this little temple. Consequently, the little temple of Santa Lucia è state restored in 1900 with contributions from all citizens. But the support of the historic association of the Circolo dei Sambenedettesi was crucial. It was later donated to the Diocese.
The meaning of the Santa Lucia temple for the people of San Benedetto
As a historical and artistic asset of singular value, the church of Santa Lucia has great importance for popular life. Plausibly, due to its strategic position, It is the only link between the maritime and peasant cultures of San Benedetto del Tronto. In fact, it was the place where in the past the people of San Benedetto gathered on Easter day as pilgrimage destination, for the most devout. In particular, it was customary to have a picnic near the temple. And where the December 13th, the day on which the martyr is celebrated, it took place the cattle fair of the same name which attracted the population of the province.
The “Walk for Saint Lucia”
Of particular importance is the "Walk for Saint Lucia" on December 13th, a particularly dear celebration in the city. It is a non-competitive event where the runners start from the Sports Hall, located next to the “Riviera delle Palme” Municipal Stadium, arriving in the courtyard in front of the Santa Lucia temple. The project was born to combine physical activity with knowledge of the religious structures of the area. In particular, of the patron saints of the coastal city. Despite its simple construction, the Santa Lucia temple is among the most important religious buildings in the city, leaving an exponential mark on the culture of San Benedetto.
Thanks for the cover image: Patrizia Cicconi
