Madonna della Assunta
Cent. 17th
Under the Arco dell’Assunta (Arch of the Assumption), once known as the “Arco di Silvestro”, time seems to pass slowly, as if to protect its memories. Silvestro Carlucci was the town baker and baked his bread under this very arch. In the past, a shop, a water fountain, or a bakery were more than just services, they were the soul of the town. Here we find the sacred shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, also worshipped in the nearby church of San Sebastiano. It is painted on plaster with colours reminiscent of a sunset: a dark brown dress, a belt of roses and a blue cloak. Tiny angels dance around the Virgin’s face while the background glows with tones of yellow and orange. The cement frame does not take away from the beauty of the painting, on the contrary, it protects it like a maternal embrace. The Assumption has inspired artists for centuries, from Titian to Rubens but here under this arch there is no need to visit a museum in order to feel the power of this mystery.
Just a quiet summer night, whispered voices reciting the rosary, and the anticipation of the festival. Every year on 15th August this small space would be transformed: an altar was decorated with flowers, the faces of the worshippers lit up by flickering candles as they shared this moment of faith. On the evening before the festival, families gathered under the arch, praying, laughing and telling stories. Melons and watermelons were sliced and kept cool in buckets of ice. It was a time of faith and simplicity, a fusion of sacred and daily life. Passing under this arch today, you can still feel something: a vague aroma of bread, the echo of a prayer, sweet anticipation. It is as if Our Lady of the Assumption is watching over this small corner of the world, where memories do not disappear but linger in the stones and in the heart, a light that never goes out.