Chapel of Saint Sebastian
The Chapel
Built out of devotion by the Asciano community, it is located within the Camparboli suburb, along the Via Lauretana.
History
In the Twilight of the 15th Century, the chapel was built as an act of piety and hope. Its interior walls, adorned with vibrant frescoes, speak of a distant era. The earliest documentary evidence of this place dates back to the ecclesiastical visits of 1583 and the 1676 report by Gherardini, which allowed for the reconstruction of part of its history.
Architecture
The chapel, recently restored with care and respect, presents a simple elegance with its single-nave layout and a double-pitched roof. The original entrance, a brick arch supported by lateral walls, was later bricked up, likely between 1583 and 1596, marking a transition in its architectural history.
Art
Inside, art tells stories of faith and beauty. The terminal wall is dominated by the fresco of the Assumption of the Virgin, created by Benvenuto di Giovanni and his son Girolamo by 1497. This fresco, with its vivid colors and intricate details, also depicts Saint Sebastian pierced by arrows, a powerful symbol of martyrdom and spiritual strength.
Spirituality, Worship, and Traditions
Saint Sebastian is a highly venerated saint for his intercession against diseases and the dangers of travel. The chapel's location along the Via Lauretana is not accidental: it serves as a spiritual landmark for pilgrims and travelers seeking protection and blessing.
Devoutly cared for by the local community, the chapel is generally open every day, from dawn to dusk.
