Not only in Ischia, la Chiesa del Soccorso is also a famous church in Italy
The
Soccorso church in the town of
Forio is the
most famous church on the
island of Ischia, or maybe all over Italy. In fact, many artists realised a lot of pictures or photos of this church and became famous.
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| Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso) |
The church is used also for the design of an Italian stamp and lots of actors and models get married in this church.
The location surrounded by the blue sea is of course beautiful, but the best charm of this famous church must be the mixture of architectural styles.
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| Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso) |
The white walls of the church are made of the beautiful and colorful baked tiles, Mallorca!
Soccorso church is located on the top of the cape surrounded by the sea on three sides. It was originaly an Augustinian Monastery, the chapel had been built around the year 1350, but on the October of the 1653 it was abolished by the bull of Pope Innocenzo X.
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| Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso) |
So the current structure was built in
1864, and now it's one of the
most distinctive buildings in
Ischia. The building were restored after the earthquake of 1883. All exterior walls are made by white stucco, and the stairs which reach up to the front facade are embellished with Majorca tiles of 1700s. The contrast between the white wall and
colorful ceramic is very beautiful. Greco-Byzantine style, Moorish style and Mediterranean style are incorporated.
Inside is simple and pretty!
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| Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso) |
This church's interior is small but interesting with beautiful arches and vaulted ceilings. Along a few wooden chair, we can imagine that here is still used for the Mass. The statue of Christ on the Cross or of Saint Anthony of Padua are enshrined. It was an important church for immigrants and maritime people, and when the storm seemd to have been coming they came to pray in this church. If you look carefully the church, you will notice that the models of a sailing boat are located everywhere.
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| Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso) |
In the evening, let's go out at sunset bringing with a camera!
This
Soccorso Church of Forio is considered as a
symbol for this town's people, and many tourists visit it because of its beauty. Since the church is located at the western end of the island, at dusk, the white stucco of the building becomes gradually red by the sunset reflected on the ocean. It's breathtaking beautiful scene. Unfortunately we could not see because of our tight time schedule. Since one of the
most attractive scenic points of Ischia, please forget your camera! While listening to the waves of the sea, just wait for the slow sunset.
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| Soccorso Church (Chiesa del Soccorso) |
To go to the Soccorso Church, you get off the bus at the town of Forio. You know, also this town is quite large with fashionable boutiques and souvenir shops. You might also enjoy shopping on the way to explore the church. There are many restaurants and bars, of course, therefore you can relax well.
