Welcome to the page dedicated to the Chapel of Santa Domenica, a historical jewel located on a charming hill immersed in the typical vegetation of Cilento. Surrounded by majestic chestnut and pine trees that provide pleasant shade during hot summer days, the chapel offers a breathtaking panorama that embraces the hills, countryside, sea and surrounding villages.
The History of the Chapel of Santa Domenica
The Chapel of Santa Domenica was built by the people of Orria on the ruins of an old monastery of the Monks of St Augustine, initially home to Basilian monks. According to an ancient legend, the villagers decided to build it on this site at the suggestion of Saint Domenica herself. Initially, it was planned to erect it closer to the village, on the ruins of the chapel of San Vito, but various events made it clear that the saint wished it to be built on the top of the hill, now known as Santa Domenica.
Inside the chapel, behind the altar, is the statue of St Domenica, known for performing numerous miracles during calamities such as plagues, earthquakes, famines and wars.
The Feast of Saint Sunday in Orria
In Orria, the feast of Saint Domenica is celebrated on 7 July, unlike other communities that celebrate her on 6 July, the day of her death. Tradition has it that Saint Domenica, originally from Tropea, was persecuted and beheaded by the Romans on 6 July in Campagna. After her death, angels in human guise transported her body to Tropea. On the way, they passed the hill of Orria and, due to the weight of the body, stopped and placed it on a rock. A great storm arose, but left the village unscathed. It was 7 July, which is why the saint is celebrated in Orria on that day.
Traditions and Memories
The celebration of Santa Domenica today is very different from that of the past. In the past, the street from Via Capo Orria to the chapel was lit up with simple but suggestive lights. On the hill, numerous stalls sold peanuts, watermelon slices, slushies and toys, creating a festive atmosphere eagerly awaited by children, youngsters and adults.
The Cilento Lands Gnome House
In front of the chapel’s main door, on an ancient elm tree, the Lands of Cilento gnome’s house was built, born from the imagination of the school children during the filming of the short film ‘THE COLOURS OF EMOTIONS’. The story imagined an enchanted forest saved thanks to the help of the gnome, and the day of filming was a magical moment with many children happy to fly their kites.
A Place to Visit
I hope to continue to live and revive the emotions of the past, becoming a place worthy of being visited not only by the Orriesi, but also by residents of neighbouring villages. ‘Today as in the past’.
Author of the drawing: Simone Di Fiore, 11 years old
Project coordinators: Domenica and Ornella Mastrogiovanni, Adele Missano