The Church of Maria Santissima Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) in Pratola Serra stands in Via Roma, along the main road through the Irpinian village.
Commissioned by Leonardo V of Tocco, Prince of Montemiletto and built during the second half of the 18th century, the Church was consecrated in 1773 by the Archbishop of Benevento and became a parish the following year. These events laid the foundations for the unification of the Pratola estate with the ancient mediaeval village of Serra, which at that time were the subject of administrative, feudal and ecclesiastical divisions. The lands were officially united in 1812 when the Municipality of Pratola Serra was established.
Today, the Church of Maria SS. Addolorata is noted for its 18th-century façade, which has been preserved thanks to a series of restoration works. It stands alongside an imposing three-level bell tower surmounted by a hemispherical cupola. The imposing stone portal is surmounted by a magnificent crest of the Tocco family and a Latin inscription dedicated to Saint Mary, indicating that the Church was commissioned by Leonardo V. Inside the Church is an inlaid frontal made from varicoloured marble. According to local tradition it comes from a church in Gesualdo. The artworks inside the Church include several 19th-century statues, paintings from the 18th century and a beautiful altar.
A symbol of the unity of two towns, the church of Saint Mary is much-cherished by the local community.
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Open during the hours of religious services
Chiesa Maria SS. Addolorata di Pratola Serra
Via Roma, 1, 83039, Pratola Serra AV, Italia
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