Santuario della Madonna del Carmine, Baroque Catholic church and shrine in Sorrento, Italy.
The Santuario della Madonna del Carmine is a baroque religious building in Sorrento with a single nave layout decorated with elaborate ceiling paintings throughout its interior. The artwork depicts the Virgin Mary, Saint Simon, and angels in detailed compositions that draw the eye across the entire overhead surface.
This sanctuary was built in the late 15th century as an expression of local religious devotion. In the early 18th century it underwent major transformation when Onofrio Avellino created the prominent ceiling artwork that defines its appearance today.
The sanctuary holds a remarkable depiction of the Virgin Mary painted with dark skin, reflecting a veneration tradition connected to Naples. This particular representation shows how local religious practices shaped the artistic choices visitors can observe inside.
The building sits centrally on Piazza Tasso in Sorrento and is easy to reach on foot from the town center. Opening hours are regular throughout the week, and visitors should wear respectful clothing when entering a place of worship.
Onofrio Avellino used a technique in the ceiling paintings where religious figures are set against architectural backgrounds, giving the work great depth. This approach was uncommon for the period and reveals the artist's skilled craftsmanship.
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