Chiesa di San Lorenzo Martire

The Church of San Lorenzo Martire (Saint Lawrence the Martyr), also known as the "Artistic Temple of Saint Lawrence", is situated in Caposele, in the historic centre of the Irpinian municipality.

Rising from the rubble of the pre-existing religious building dedicated to Saint Francis, destroyed in the earthquake of 23 November 1980, Caposele's Mother Church - designed by the architect Vittorio Gigliotti in 1986 and awarded first prize at the 1988 New York International Architecture Exhibition - is based on a successful interpretation of the prophet Ezekiel's passage narrating the vision of water flowing from the Temple of Jerusalem, healing and giving life. Just as, from Caposele, the restorative waters of the Sele river restore life to the otherwise parched lands of Puglia, so too, from this church, the grace of the Spirit gives believers the life promised by the Saviour. Water thus becomes the element that inspires the Church of San Lorenzo Martire.

The present temple stands out for its distinctive architectural lines, making it one of the most beautiful in Italy. Inside, the ceiling and walls recall the flow of water: the liturgical hall seems to be one big river which, with the altar as its fulcrum and source, forms a perfect combination of shape, colour and light. The Church is also embellished by the works of the artist Mario Toffetti from Bergamo, the "sculptor of the popes", known for having created masterpieces for the Holy See. The beautiful altar stands out in the centre of the church's apse, with its delicacy and lightness. Its soft shapes recall the waves of water on which the Eucharistic table seems to float. At the foot of the altar, in a special space, there is a venerated relic of Saint Gerard Maiella, the protector of mothers and children so adored by the community of Caposele.

A symbol of rebirth and unquenchable nature, the Church of San Lorenzo Martire is one of the most fascinating contemporary places of worship in the whole of Irpinia.