San Giacomo Maggiore

San Giacomo Maggiore, nestled in the picturesque hills of Castellammare di Stabia, is a beacon of baroque artistry and historical depth. Known locally as Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore, this church is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Italy, seamlessly blending faith, art, and history.

The History of San Giacomo Maggiore

The story of San Giacomo Maggiore begins with a tale of gratitude and devotion. In the 14th century, King Robert of Anjou, having recovered from an illness, vowed to build twelve churches in honor of the apostles. Among these was San Giacomo Maggiore, completed in 1362 with the support of local nobles Lorenzo Certa and Bennico Raffone. Originally a modest chapel, it became a spiritual hub for the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception and St. Francis of Assisi.

By the mid-18th century, the original structure had become too small and worn. Thus began a transformation in 1756, funded by the local community and congregants, culminating in the consecration of a new church in 1761 under the guidance of engineer Melchiorre Campanile. Despite suffering significant damage during the 1980 Irpinia earthquake, the church was lovingly restored over a decade, reopening in 1991.

Exploring San Giacomo Maggiore

As you approach San Giacomo Maggiore, the wrought-iron gates welcome you into a serene courtyard. The façade, a masterpiece of baroque design, is divided by a grand entablature inscribed with the name of the congregation. The lower section features a large wooden portal flanked by pairs of pilasters, while the upper section boasts a central window framed by additional pilasters, all crowned by a triangular pediment.

Inside, the church unfolds into a single nave with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, leading your gaze towards the triumphal arch that separates the nave from the domed apse. Each side of the nave hosts a chapel: one dedicated to St. James, adorned with a painting by Leopoldo Correa, and another celebrating the Nativity.

The Majestic Altar and Artistic Treasures

The altar, crafted from polychrome marble, is a focal point of reverence and beauty. Flanked by cherubic figures, it features a marble ciborium with a silver tabernacle door depicting the Good Shepherd and the Holy Spirit. Behind the altar, a wooden choir rises in three tiers, adding to the church's harmonious aesthetic.

Dominating the apse is a stucco-framed painting of the Immaculate Conception, set against a pastoral backdrop reminiscent of the church’s origins. This artwork, dating back to the 17th century but extensively modified in 1759, is believed to have originated from the old church of San Francesco.

Artistic Highlights and Sacred Spaces

The right side of the church features a wooden pulpit, richly painted in gold, accessible via a staircase from the sacristy. Nearby, a niche houses a wooden statue of St. Joseph, a gift from 1877, recently restored to its former glory. Above the entrance, an organ perches on a barrel-vaulted platform, filling the space with melodious hymns.

The sacristy, rectangular in shape, is adorned with sacred imagery and inscriptions, including a central depiction of the Immaculate flanked by St. James and St. Catello, painted in 1924. The four walls feature lunettes portraying the Evangelists, while a marble altar stands proudly at the back, supported by two columns.

The Crypt and Its Mysteries

Beneath the church lies a crypt, opened in 1758, once the resting place for members of the congregation. This unique space, with its circular apse and six columns, is distinguished by its vibrant majolica flooring, now serving as an ossuary.

In conclusion, San Giacomo Maggiore is more than just a place of worship; it is a living museum of faith and art, echoing the devotion and craftsmanship of generations past. Its walls tell stories of resilience and reverence, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the cultural heart of Castellammare di Stabia.