San Lorenzo Church, Melfi, Italy

San Lorenzo is a Baroque-style Roman Catholic church building in Melfi. The octagonal church was initially built in the 1000s by the Byzantine rulers of the city, and was soon occupied by canons belonging to the nearby Abbey of Monticchio. In 1500, it became a parish church.

The church has suffered damage over the centuries from the earthquakes. The present portal and long stairs appears to date to the 17th century. The adjacent bell-tower, rebuilt in the 14th century by the family of Niccolo Acciaiuoli, has since collapsed, and only the base remains. In 2015, the church underwent refurbishment including demolishing a parish house built to the left of the entrance portal.

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Oronzo Cosola (3 years ago)
The original nucleus of this octagonal church dates back to the Frederick period. Frederick II was very attached to the number 8, which recurs in many works and symbols, which refer to him.

Ilario Bonomi (4 years ago)
Interesting octagonal church, unfortunately closed and without any information on possible openings.

Gabriele Cazzoli (4 years ago)
The church immediately interested me due to its position at the foot of the castle and its octagonal plan. After all, we are in the heart of the Frederick area. The structure is of Norman origin, and given the local history, I would not rule out that it was even older. Unfortunately it was remodeled several times in the late Renaissance and Baroque. The whole village that develops between the church and the walls is also fantastic, narrow and winding streets, leaning houses, balconies with clothes hanging out to dry.

Cristiana Matrale (6 years ago)

Benedetta Cassotta (6 years ago)

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Photo from Flickr, copyright radoslaw.maciejewski

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San Lorenzo Church

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