Sant'Emidio alle Grotte, Baroque church in Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
Sant'Emidio alle Grotte is a Baroque church in Ascoli Piceno with a travertine facade and a central dome supported by Doric columns. The interior uses three natural grottoes that were converted into chapels, giving the structure its distinctive character.
Construction began in 1717 under Bishop Giovanni Gambi's commission, prompted by the devastating earthquakes that struck L'Aquila in 1703. The building was dedicated to a local saint believed to offer protection from natural disasters.
The church is dedicated to the patron saint of Ascoli Piceno, and visitors can sense the local devotion that continues to thrive in this remote place of worship. The three natural grottoes converted into chapels create an unusual prayer space that stands apart from conventional churches.
The church stands in a secluded location surrounded by natural vegetation and is accessible via marked pathways. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time for the walk through the surrounding area.
The interior was rebuilt in 1955 with a new altar featuring a statue of the saint sculpted by Giuseppe Giosafatti, the church's architect. This direct connection between architect and sculptor is uncommon in the local building history.
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