Church of San Sebastiano

The Basilica of San Sebastiano, the beating heart of medieval Ferla, was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693 upon the ruins of a previous 15th-century building.

With its three naves, it is the city’s largest sacred building. The façade—a masterpiece of 18th-century Iblean Baroque by architect Michelangelo Di Giacomo—visually narrates the Saint’s virtues through a unique sculptural apparatus.

Inside, the high altar houses the 1789 oil on canvas by Giuseppe Crestadoro, “The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian,” while the central nave conceals a precious orange-wood statue from 1530 within a niche.

Saint Sebastian is venerated as “twice-martyred”: the term does not imply two deaths, but rather the two distinct martyrdoms he faced with superhuman resilience.

Condemned by Diocletian, he miraculously survived the first execution by arrows. Once healed, he challenged the emperor again, eventually being flogged to death with clubs.

This double trial of faith is celebrated on January 19th and 20th, and during the summer festival on July 19th and 20th—moments when the sacred image is unveiled to the faithful and tourists.