At San Luca Church you can see dedications to Saint Luke, Praiano’s patron saint, and admire stunning religious artwork and artefacts that date back to the 12th century.
The original San Luca Church was built in the 12th century, however the frontage you see today is the result of a major refurbishment in 1588. When you first arrive at the church, notice the three-story bell tower next to it. While visitors are not allowed inside the tower, the graceful façade with the church next to it blends seamlessly with the aged buildings of Praiano and makes a charming photograph.
Walk inside the church and see the majolica-tiled floor that was laid in 1789. On the floor is the image of Saint Luke, who was one of the authors of the four gospels in the New Testament Bible. In this image, he is surrounded by birds and flowers and is in the act of painting. Walk further into the church, under the three naves and see the six altars on either side. Some of Saint Luke’s remains are kept in a vessel at the church. You can honour his memory at the vessel, where a silver statue, dating from 1696, is modelled in his image. If you are visiting during the twice-yearly religious celebrations, the silver statue is paraded through the town in honour of the saint.
Admire the artworks by the 16th- and 17th-century artists, Giovanni Bernardo Lama and Padovano Di Montorio. Of particular note is Lama’s classic representation of the circumcision and Di Montorio’s painting of Our Lady of the Rosary. View the other artworks created in Saint Luke’s honour, including a full-length woodcarving, marble sculptures and marble altars.
Located in the centre of Praiano, San Luca Church is free to the public and is open daily from mid-afternoon until the early evening.
