Shrines of Italy: Church of San Lorenzo

The Church of San Lorenzo is a quaint Italian parish located in the center of Piancovolo; a tiny village known primarily for its popular ski resort. It was constructed in 1770 by order of the Venetian Senate, and thus it bears a strikingly similar appearance to many other churches in the area.  A closer inspection however, reveals that the church of San Lorenzo is unique for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, the main altar boasts of a distinctly Venetian design which also incorporates an 18th Century painting of St. Lorenzo, a deacon of the early church who is commonly venerated as the patron of firefighters due to the fact that he was martyred by burning over an open fire.

The second unique feature of this church is an elaborate side-altar containing a life-sized statue of St. Barbara, a popular saint among the residents of Piancovolo, who is also venerated as the patron of firefighters due to the miraculous circumstances surrounding her death.

While this particular display is definitely the highlight of San Lorenzo, the church does feature a number of additional side-altars, each of which has its own story to tell. There is for instance the altar of St. Sebastian, a Roman soldier who was martyred during the reign of Diocletian, as well as an altar dedicated to the Mother of God; a characteristic that defines just about every church in and around Aviano.

Unlike previous churches however, the architecture of San Lorenzo is designed around a primary spiritual theme; in this case the legacy of various saints associated with fire and those who fight against it. A theme which makes a visit to San Lorenzo worth your while.