Position: Pastena
The Chapel of San Sebastiano rises along Via Canale, the path from Pastena to Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi, not far from the ancient wash houses. It represents an authentic historical gem that has its roots in the fifteenth century and it is said to have been erected during a plague. Saint Sebastian, in fact, is the patron saint of the afflicted and protector from the plague.
One of the crucial moments in the history of the chapel occurred after the plague of 1656. Following this tragic epidemic, the chapel was restored thanks to the generous alms collected by Bartolomeo Cuccaro, demonstrating the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
An extraordinary discovery on the history of the chapel of San Sebastiano
In 1880s the parish priest Castellano, during renovations, made an extraordinary discovery: an epigraph carved in stone. The epigraph offers a window into the history of the chapel, underlining its original purpose in the fight against the plague of 1656. The inscription commemorates the essential contribution of Bartolomeo Cuccaro in raising funds for the restoration and emphasizes the expansion of the chapel as a sign of gratitude for the divine protection.
Not entirely legible, it was completed and reproduced in marble, to be placed in the vestibule, to the left of the door. It reads as follows: «Divo Sebastiano martiri | sacram Aedicuiam antiquitus | pro pestilentia sublata erectam; | An. D. MDCLVI | iterum fatali tabe saeviente | Oppidum Pastinae | voti compos ex animo | tutelari praesentissimo | exiguum sacellum ampliavit».
The interior of the chapel features an ancient fresco depicting the Blessed Virgin and Saints Bartholomew, Gennaro, Sebastian and Sossio. Although time has caused damage, with parts repainted less accurately, the fresco remains a touching example of sacred art that has withstood the trials of time.
In conclusion, the Chapel of Saint Sebastian is much more than a place of worship. It is a living witness to the faith, resilience and solidarity of the community over the centuries. Each stone, each epigraph and each fresco tells stories of hope and devotion that continue to inspire those who venture along the path from Pastena to Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi.
