Descrizione
San Costanzo, once a centre of vibrant religious life, boasted a rich spiritual heritage centred on numerous churches, including the Church of Sant’Agostino, an emblematic example of faith, art and history. The presence of the Augustinians in San Costanzo dates back to before 1445, with a monastery initially situated on Monte Campanaro. Subsequently, to foster closer ties with the local community, the old convent was demolished and rebuilt as a new church in 1610, thanks to the generosity of Count Pietro Barbetta and the local community.
The church, dedicated to Mary Most Holy, Queen of Heaven, and to St Peter, is known as the Church of Sant’Agostino. Completed in 1617, its façade features a sandstone plaque commemorating the benefactors. Inside, there are five altars adorned with fine stucco work and paintings inspired by Augustinian spirituality, including the Crucifix, the Madonna, St Augustine and St Nicholas. The marble high altar is surmounted by a painting depicting the Handing Over of the Keys to Saint Peter, whilst in the chancel one can admire two large paintings by Giuseppe Ceccarini: a ‘Miracle of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino’ and the ‘Tomb of Saint Augustine’. Of particular note is the Crucifixion painted by Ceccarini in 1785, situated on the first altar on the left, beneath which stands a wooden Dead Christ from 1826 by Filippo Reali, a pupil of Canova.
Among the highlights is also an organ by Gaetano Callido, dated 1785, which dominates the choir loft. As well as its artistic beauty, the church is at the heart of religious celebrations, such as the evocative Good Friday procession, during which the statues of the Dead Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows are carried through the streets of the village. During Holy Week, the ‘Machina del Monte Calvario’ is set up, a representation of the Passion of Christ featuring oil-painted papier-mâché statues. The church also preserves the traditions of the Confraternities of Our Lady of the Belt and the Good Death, which have contributed over the centuries to the care and enhancement of the site. Despite the dissolution of the convent in 1811 during the Kingdom of Italy, the church remained open for worship and continues to be a bastion of spirituality and culture in San Costanzo.
