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Church of St Lawrence in Subiaco: Where the town was born
The Church of San Lorenzo stands on a rocky spur overlooking the river Aniene, in the Pianello district. It is one of the oldest churches in Subiaco and, according to tradition, the very site where the town originated. Until the Saracen invasion in the 9th century, it was likely the only church in the village. The earliest settlement grew entirely around this spot.
The "Birth of Subiaco"
According to tradition, on August 10, 369 AD a Roman patrician named Narzio, who owned land in the area, consecrated the church to St Lawrence the Martyr, and donated all his wealth to the community living in Pianello. This date is known as the "Natale di Subiaco" (Subiaco’s birthday). It is still celebrated today with a procession, a fair, and the Palio di San Lorenzo - a competition between the town's eight districts. The historical parade begins right here.
The structure and frescoes
The church seen today is a reconstruction, with Baroque additions from the 17th and 18th centuries. Above the high altar is a 14th-century fresco of the Crucifixion. The side walls were painted by Bartolomeo Postiglione in the 17th century, depicting Lawrence distributing alms to the poor, and the saint’s martyrdom on the gridiron.
