San Matteo

San Matteo stands in the center of Nocera Inferiore as a Renaissance church with balanced proportions and symmetrical architectural elements. The interior contains religious artworks from different periods and features tall vaulted ceilings that create a sense of height and light.

The site was originally home to an ancient Roman sanctuary dedicated to Janus before Christian worship transformed the location. The church's first recorded mention appears in historical documents from the 10th century.

The church serves as the gathering point for the Good Friday procession, where local residents participate in a solemn ritual that has shaped community identity for generations. The event reveals how deeply rooted religious traditions remain in daily life here.

The church is easily reached on foot from the town center and offers a calm space for visits. Keep in mind that entry may be limited during religious services, and visitors should dress respectfully.

Beneath the current church lie remains of a Roman villa dating to the 2nd century BC, uncovered during restoration work. This layering shows how different civilizations occupied the same sacred ground across millennia.