The Church of San Silvestro in L’Aquila, located in the Santa Maria quarter, was established in the 13th century by residents of the Collebrincioni castle as part of the city’s foundation. The church is renowned for housing remnants of frescoes by the Master of Beffi and artwork influenced by the Branconio family, prominent patrons during the 15th and 16th centuries. These include works by Francesco da Montereale, Raffaello Sanzio, and Giulio Cesare Bedeschini.
Construction of the current structure began around 1350, with further embellishments added after the 1461 earthquake. The Branconios commissioned several notable additions, including a Visitazione by Raphael (removed to Spain in 1655) and Baroque elements like the Baptism of Constantine by Baccio Ciarpi. The church’s architectural and artistic evolution reflects shifts in style from Gothic to Baroque. In 1902, it was listed as a national monument.
- Address
Piazza S. Silvestro, 3, L’Aquila, Italy - Web
https://www.chiesadisansilvestro.it/ - Visiting Hours
Every day from 9:00 to 19:00 - What to see
Painting “La Visitazione” by Raffaelo, frescoes