Collegiate Church of St Lawrence Levite and Martyr

The Church of San Lorenzo Levita e Martire in Picinisco: History, Art and the Catarinozzi Organ

La Church of St Lawrence Levite and Martyr, located in the heart of Picinisco, is a monument of exceptional historical and architectural value. Although its current appearance is the result of centuries of extensions, the first documentary traces date back to the 1305 A.D., when it initially appeared as a small chapel dedicated to St Mary, spread over a few square metres.

Architectural Evolution: From Chapel to Collegiate Church

The temple of San Lorenzo has undergone a profound transformation over the centuries:

• Origins (14th century): Initially a small church with a single nave.

• Elevation to Parish status (late 16th century): In the latter part of the 16th century, the structure was extended to three naves, It was equipped with several altars and became the seat of the Confraternity of St. Anthony.

• The Consecration of 1730: On 24 June 1730, the Bishop of Sora, Gabriele De Marchis, he stayed in Picinisco for three days. During this visit he consecrated the high altar, the true splendour of the church, laying the relics of the martyrs Innocent and Jocundus.

Today, the church has three naves, a sacristy, two choirs and a side chapel, representing the hub of Piciniscan religious life.

The 11th Century Bell Tower: A Military Past

One of the most interesting elements is undoubtedly the carved stone bell tower. Dating back to the’11th century, predates the construction of the church itself. Its structure, with an internal spiral staircase, suggests that it was originally a military watchtower, later integrated into the religious complex.

Artistic Heritage and Restoration

The interior decoration is the result of layered interventions over time:

1. Le Volte Istoriate (1928): By artists from Venafrania, the vaults (especially the central one) were decorated with scenes of the martyrdom and apotheosis of St Lawrence.

2. The Statues (1930s): In the decade following 1928, the church was enriched with three new statues: the Dead Christ, the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Lourdes.

3. Post-Earthquake Restoration (1984): After the terrible earthquake of May 1984, the church suffered extensive damage. Thanks to careful consolidation and restoration work, the building was restored to its former glory.

The “Cesare Catarinozzi” Organ (1739)

The real jewel of the Collegiate Church is the’pipe organ, located inside and dating back to September 1739. The instrument was completely rebuilt to replace a worn-out 17th century organ, of which only the precious soundbox.

The Author and Funding

A testimony of the time defines the instrument: “Work of the never praised enough Don Cesare Catarinozzi of the Terra di Affile”.”. Catarinozzi was the renowned organist of Subiaco Abbey, famous for building the organs of:

• Santa Maria Maggiore (Rome)

• Monte Uliveto (Naples)

• Abbey of Monte Cassino

The construction was a true community effort, financed by the Chapels of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary, St Anthony of Padua, St Roch, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the’Parish Hospital.

Modern Evolution and Technical Registration

During the 20th century, the organ was overhauled three times. Between 1980 and 1981, under the guidance of the parish priest Don Mario Bevilacqua, important innovations have been introduced:

• The register “Heavenly Voice 8”.

• A electro-fan for automatic bellows actuation.

• A mobile console with registers, keyboard and pedalboard in the right aisle.

Current technical registration of the instrument: