Oratorio di San Sebastiano - Image 1
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Oratorio di San Sebastiano

4.3
·6 reviews·Sanremo, Italy

A 16th-century oratory in Sanremo's historic La Pigna, adorned with 18th-century frescoes, built as a plague votive.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturdays, 10 AM - 12:30 PM

Official opening hours

CrowdLow
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Oratorio di San Sebastiano - Image 1

Oratorio di San Sebastiano

Best Time

Saturdays, 10 AM - 12:30 PM

Official opening hours

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century oratory in Sanremo's historic La Pigna, adorned with 18th-century frescoes, built as a plague votive.

4.3
(6 reviews)

"Worth a visit. Absolutely. Unexpected for the richness of the decorations and the beauty of the frescoes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Open only Saturdays 10-12:30. Inquire about special openings!

🚶 Explore La Pigna

Wander the historic 'La Pigna' district for a full experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

16th Century Frescoes

16th Century Frescoes

Interior

Admire the vibrant 18th-century frescoes by Maurizio Carrega, a testament to the oratory's rich artistic heritage.

Piazzetta Oratorio dei Dolori

Piazzetta Oratorio dei Dolori

Exterior

Experience the charm of this small square, featuring a historic public fountain at its heart.

Plague Votive History

Plague Votive History

Exterior

Understand its origin as a votive offering built after the 1502 plague, dedicated to San Sebastiano, the protector against epidemics.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Oratorio di San Sebastiano has very limited opening hours, often only on Saturdays. Check local listings or inquire with volunteers for any special openings, especially during events like 'Sanremo in Fiore'.

Discovering La Pigna

Located in Sanremo's historic 'La Pigna' district, the Oratorio is part of a charming old town. Plan to explore the surrounding alleys and piazzas to fully appreciate its historical context.

Best Times

When
Saturdays, 10 AM - 12:30 PM
Why
Official opening hours
Crowd
Low
When
Special Events
Why
Extended access
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Oratorio di San Sebastiano - Prato . . . #artemiaprato #prato #visiteguidateprato #conoscereprato #sansebastiano
pratocultura
53 likes • 1.6K views

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Open only Saturdays 10-12:30. Inquire about special openings! Reddit

🚶 Explore La Pigna

Wander the historic 'La Pigna' district for a full experience. Instagram

Oratorio di San Sebastiano "is one of the churches, sanctuaries, cathedrals, etc. to be seen in the Municipality of Imperia, in the Artallo area. Alternatively you can consult the list of architectures of the same type present in the Ligurian territory, religious architectures in the surroundings of Imperia, in the places of the Ligurian Riviera dei Fiori, fascinating and all to be discovered. O...
passione_in_viaggio
25 likes • 1.7K views
Cantando e ballando, vi aspettiamo sabato 13 maggio a Predosa alle ore 17, oratorio di San Sebastiano per il nostro concerto con presentazione del libro "Spiegami questa strada" 🎶📚✨️ Ci si vede lì, non mancate! 😎 Concerto del FuckCancer Choir e presentazione del libro "Spiegami questa strada" a Predosa Con il patrocinio del Comune di Predosa, in collaborazione con L'isola del sapere Onlus #fu...
fuckcancer_choir
93 likes • 1.5K views

🖼️ Admire the Art

Don't miss the 18th-century frescoes by Maurizio Carrega. Reddit

💧 Public Fountain

See the characteristic fountain in the piazza. Reddit

Le principali attrazioni a Dolceacqua Ponte Vecchio. Visionarium. Castello dei Doria. Chiesa Parrocchiale S. Antonio Abate. Frantoio Castel Doria. Oratorio di San Sebastiano. Santuario Dell'addolorata. . . . #igliguria #visitliguria #liguria #danymakino #borghiitaliani #borghiliguri #이탈리아 #村 #村瀬鞄行のおともだち #村庄 #イタリアン #อิตาลี #トラベルブロガー #여행에미치다 #세계여행 #여행스타그램 #맞팔 #일상 #いいね返し #いいね返します #좋아요테러 #travelb...
danymakino
39 likes • 1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Opening Hours

Open only Saturdays 10-12:30. Inquire about special openings! Reddit

🚶 Explore La Pigna

Wander the historic 'La Pigna' district for a full experience. Instagram

🖼️ Admire the Art

Don't miss the 18th-century frescoes by Maurizio Carrega. Reddit

💧 Public Fountain

See the characteristic fountain in the piazza. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(6 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Oratorio di San Sebastiano a worthwhile historical gem in Sanremo's charming La Pigna district, particularly appreciating its 18th-century frescoes and historical significance as a plague votive. However, its extremely limited opening hours are a frequent point of frustration, often leaving visitors unable to enter.

"A historical landmark in the old quarter of Sanremo known as La Pigna.
It was founded by vote of the citizens after overcoming the plague epidemic of 1502.
It stands in Piazzetta Oratorio dei Dolori,
with a characteristic public fountain from the Turin Social Foundry at its center."

Roberto Moretto

"Worth a visit. Absolutely.
Two posters and frescoes by Maurizio Carrega (18th century) adorn the oratory, built in the early 16th century.
Volunteers open the oratory on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m."

Giuseppe Longo

"On the occasion of "Sanremo in fiore" on March 25 and 26, 2023, the oratory finally remained open.
Unexpected for the richness of the decorations and the beauty of the frescoes.
I hope that the extraordinary openings will become more frequent."

Chiara Ginocchi

What People Like

Rich frescoes
Historical significance
Charming location

What People Dislike

Very limited hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Oratorio di San Sebastiano is located in the historic 'La Pigna' district of Sanremo. It's best reached on foot as the old town is largely pedestrianized. If arriving by car, park outside the historic center and walk in. Instagram

As it's in an old historic center, access might involve walking on uneven surfaces or stairs. It's part of the charming, albeit sometimes challenging, old town of Sanremo. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Oratorio di San Sebastiano has very limited opening hours, typically only on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It's advisable to confirm these hours locally or check for any special event openings. Reddit

Entry is usually free, as it's a historical oratory often managed by volunteers. However, donations are often appreciated to help with its upkeep. Reddit

The standard opening times are very restricted, primarily Saturdays. Special openings have occurred during events like 'Sanremo in Fiore,' so keeping an eye on local event calendars is recommended. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Inside, you can admire the historical architecture and notable frescoes by Maurizio Carrega from the 18th century. It's a small but historically significant space. Reddit

It was built in the early 16th century as a votive offering by citizens after they survived the plague epidemic of 1502, dedicated to San Sebastiano, the patron saint against pestilence. InstagramReddit

Yes, the oratory is situated in the Piazzetta Oratorio dei Dolori, which features a characteristic public fountain at its center, adding to the charm of the historic square. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask volunteers on-site. Flash photography might be restricted to protect the frescoes. Instagram

The Piazzetta Oratorio dei Dolori with the fountain offers a nice exterior shot. The narrow, charming streets of the La Pigna district surrounding the oratory also provide excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Oratorio di San Sebastiano with children might require careful planning due to its limited opening hours. The historical context of the plague could be a sensitive topic, but the visual elements like the frescoes and the public fountain in the piazza can be engaging. Focus on the adventure of exploring the narrow streets of La Pigna, making it a treasure hunt. InstagramReddit

Ensure children wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces. The limited opening times mean you'll need to be strategic about fitting it into your day. Consider it a brief, enriching stop within a larger exploration of Sanremo's old town, rather than a primary destination for young children. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, the Oratorio di San Sebastiano offers a concentrated dose of local history and art. The limited opening hours can be a challenge, but the reward is a more intimate experience with the site, often managed by passionate volunteers. Reddit

Take advantage of the Saturday openings to immerse yourself in the stories of the plague and the community's devotion. The surrounding La Pigna district is perfect for solo exploration, allowing you to wander at your own pace and discover the authentic charm of Sanremo's old town. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: The Plague and San Sebastiano

The Oratorio di San Sebastiano in Sanremo holds a poignant history tied to the devastating plague that swept through Europe in the early 16th century. Miraculously spared from the epidemic in 1502, the citizens of Sanremo vowed to build an oratory dedicated to San Sebastiano, the patron saint invoked for protection against pestilence. This act of gratitude and faith led to the construction of the oratory around 1508, making it a significant historical landmark reflecting the community's resilience and devotion. InstagramReddit

The oratory's location in the historic 'La Pigna' district further immerses visitors in the atmosphere of old Sanremo. Exploring the surrounding narrow alleys and the Piazzetta Oratorio dei Dolori, with its distinctive public fountain, offers a tangible connection to the past. It's a place where history isn't just read about, but felt through the architecture and the stories embedded within its walls. Reddit

While the exterior and its historical context are compelling, the interior holds artistic treasures. The oratory is adorned with frescoes by Maurizio Carrega, dating from the 18th century. These artworks add another layer of cultural richness to the site, showcasing the enduring artistic traditions of the region. Visiting the Oratorio di San Sebastiano is therefore not just a historical excursion, but also an artistic discovery. Reddit

Navigating Sanremo's Historic Heart: La Pigna

The Oratorio di San Sebastiano is nestled within La Pigna, Sanremo's ancient historic center. This labyrinthine district is characterized by its narrow, winding alleys, stone archways, and charming squares, offering a stark contrast to the more modern parts of the city. Exploring La Pigna is an adventure in itself, with hidden courtyards, small artisan shops, and glimpses of local life. Instagram

Accessing La Pigna and the Oratorio requires a willingness to walk and navigate its unique topography. Many areas are pedestrian-only, and the terrain can be uneven, with steps and inclines. This makes it a destination best explored on foot, allowing you to fully absorb the atmosphere and discover its hidden gems. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended for anyone planning to wander through these historic streets. Reddit

Within La Pigna, the Oratorio di San Sebastiano stands as a significant point of interest. Its presence in this historic quarter underscores the deep roots of faith and community in Sanremo. The surrounding piazzetta, with its public fountain, serves as a focal point, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the historical ambiance before or after their visit to the oratory. Reddit

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