Italy in Photos

Piazza Sant’Anna, 81100, Italy (August 2019)

Santuario di Sant’Anna

Located in Piazza Sant’Anna in the heart of Caserta, the Santuario di Sant’Anna stands as a beacon of faith, devotion, and cultural identity for its community. The sanctuary is dedicated to Saint Anne, co-patroness of Caserta alongside Saint Sebastian, and has been a focal point of local veneration for centuries. Originally built in the early 17th century on the site of a former church of Our Lady of Loreto, the sanctuary retains only its imposing Neo-Gothic façade, adorned with bas-reliefs, rose windows, twin portals, and a bell tower, from its historic beginnings. The remainder of the structure was destroyed during World War II bombings and later fully reconstructed, resulting in a modern and luminous interior contrasted against its historical exterior

Inside, visitors encounter several significant artworks and devotional objects: an 18th-century statue of Saint Anne (often described as “La Vecchierella” for her tender depiction of the young Virgin Mary in her arms), a bust of Christ crowned with thorns, a statue of Saint Anthony the Abbot, and a sculptural representation of Madonna di Loreto. Bronze plaques on the portal depict scenes from the lives of Mary and Jesus. Described by visitors as “welcoming and accessible to all” where faith, socialisation, and hospitality intertwine, the sanctuary is more than a building, it’s a spiritual home for many locals. The church also includes a second internal prayer room, offering solitude and reflection away from the main nave—highlighting its function as both a communal and personal place of worship.

Each July, the city comes alive with celebrations in honour of Saint Anne. The festivity spans weeks and features masses, processions carrying the venerated statue through Caserta’s streets, elaborate lighting of votive lamps, street concerts, food trucks, and family-friendly activities, culminating in a solemn blessing by the Bishop over the city, Additionally, the sanctuary serves as a site of social solidarity: every Christmas Eve, the Pranzo della Solidarietà (Christmas Eve Solidarity Meal), organized by Opera Sant’Anna and Caritas, transforms the church into a warm place of community support, hosting generous volunteers who help serve meals to the city’s less fortunate. The Santuario di Sant’Anna is a richly layered place, melding architectural heritage with devout tradition, social outreach, and a deeply rooted sense of communal belonging.