Oratorio di San Giacomo

The Oratory of San Giacomo (Saint James) is a site of historical and religious interest in Via Pirro De Luca, Montefusco.

The Oratory was originally the ancient crypt of the Church of Santa Maria della Piazza, which stands above. It is one of the Irpinian village’s oldest religious buildings, of which only the front section still remains. In 1652 the crypt was donated to the Brotherhood of San Giacomo, from whom it takes its name and who also commissioned the restoration works, which have altered the exterior aspect.

Details of the 17th-century restoration can still be seen in the windows on the eastern side and on the frescoed walls depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament. The vault portrays the glories of Mary, while at the back of the crypt is a fresco of Saint Catherine of Alexandria; the remaining walls are decorated with miracles of Jesus and images of saints and popes. A trapdoor bearing the words "pro confratibus" led to another room below, once used for burials. It was closed after the works carried out in the wake of the earthquake on 23 November 1980.

The sense of mysticism and beauty is immediately noticeable to anyone crossing the threshold of the small wooden door leading into this delightful 17th-century church.