The Church of San Nicola

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The Church of San Nicola

The spiritual heart of Capraia

A masterpiece of Genoese baroque on an island

Located in the heart of Capraia Island, the parish church of the local patron San Nicola awaits you majestically in Piazza Milano. This jewel of late Genoese Baroque, dating back to the 18th century, stands in the historic center, which developed around the Forte di San Giorgio since the 11th century. By entering this church, you immerse yourself in the charm of a place of worship worthy of a wild island like Capraia, where the craftsmanship and the primitive quality of the sacred furnishings and the stucco decorations, works from the eighteenth century made by skilled local craftsmen, frame three large naves separated by elegant pillars. Inside, a treasure of inestimable historical value is preserved: the wooden statue of San Nicola which, found at sea, gave the church its name.

As you explore the interiors, let yourself be enchanted by the numerous chapels, among which stand out the one dedicated to Sant’Erasmo, the spiritual reference for the island’s fishermen, and the one dedicated to Sant’Agostino. Don’t miss the opportunity to appreciate the works of art that enrich the church, such as the 18th-century Annunciation canvas and the one depicting the Virgin with Saint Catherine and Saint Dominic, dated 1665. Lastly, don’t miss another element of remarkable charm: the eighteenth-century wooden choir located in the apse, surmounted by the cantoria and the pipe organ. The latter, built in the 17th century for the convent of San Francesco in Bastia (Corsica), was transferred here in 1793, adding a touch of grandeur to the structure. Outside, the typically Genoese pink bell tower marks the hours with its chimes, creating a magical and timeless atmosphere.

Useful informations

Who:

Alone, Children and families, Groups, In pairs, With friends
When:

Autumn, Spring, Summer, Winter
What:
Other characteristics

Free, Indoors, Reachable by public transport, Without reservation