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Oratorio di San Lorenzo: A Baroque Masterpiece in Palermo

Discover the Oratorio di San Lorenzo in Palermo: a stunning Baroque oratory with intricate stucco work and a poignant history.

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The Oratorio di San Lorenzo, a late 16th-century oratory near the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi in Palermo, is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and intricate stucco work by Giacomo Serpotta. Once home to Caravaggio's masterpiece, 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence,' which was stolen in 1969, the oratory remains a significant cultural and artistic landmark.

A brief summary to Oratorio di San Lorenzo

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid larger crowds and have a more intimate experience with the art and architecture.
  • Take your time to admire the intricate stucco work by Giacomo Serpotta, which tells the stories of St. Lawrence and St. Francis.
  • Learn about the history of Caravaggio's stolen masterpiece, 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence,' and view the high-tech replica that now stands in its place.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Oratorio di San Lorenzo is located on Via Immacolatella, 5, in the Kalsa district. From the intersection of Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Roma, walk east on Via Vittorio Emanuele towards the sea. Turn left onto Via Immacolatella. The Oratorio will be on your right, a short distance from the intersection. Walking time is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near Via Immacolatella. From Palermo Centrale train station, take bus line 101 or 107 towards the city center. Get off at the Roma Palazzo Ganci or Alloro Cocchieri stop, both a 4-minute walk from the Oratorio. From either stop, walk along Via Roma and turn onto Via Immacolatella. The Oratorio will be on your right. A single bus ticket costs €2.

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Discover more about Oratorio di San Lorenzo

The Oratorio di San Lorenzo, located in the historic Kalsa district of Palermo, stands as a testament to the city's rich artistic and religious heritage. Constructed around 1570 by the Compagnia di San Francesco, a confraternity of Genoese merchants, the oratory replaced a smaller church dedicated to St. Lawrence. The building initially served as a burial site for the Kalsa neighborhood. The oratory's interior is a breathtaking example of Sicilian Baroque style. From 1699 to 1706, Giacomo Serpotta, a master sculptor, created the sumptuous stucco decorations that adorn the walls. These decorations depict scenes from the lives of St. Lawrence and St. Francis of Assisi, featuring allegorical statues representing virtues such as Humility, Glory, Welcome, and Charity. The sculptures are made with stucco and crumbled marble powder, giving them a unique brightness. The marble floor, designed by Antonino Grano, and the side benches inlaid with ivory and mother-of-pearl add to the oratory's exquisite beauty. For many years, the oratory's most prized possession was Caravaggio's altarpiece, 'Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence,' painted in 1609. Unfortunately, the painting was stolen in 1969 and has never been recovered. In 2015, a high-tech replica was installed to recreate the prestigious backdrop to Serpotta's work. Today, the Oratorio di San Lorenzo is managed by the non-profit Associazione Amici dei Musei Siciliani, which organizes guided visits.

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