CHURCH OF SANTA SOFIA

The origins of the Church of Santa Sofia are linked to two ancient churches dedicated to the same saint present in Ferla before the 1693 earthquake. The first, where the Confraternity of the Madonna del Gonfalone operated, was located behind the current Church of the Carmine and played an important role in the town’s religious life.

The second church stood in the Ronco Valley, inside a cave that preserved its altar until the 19th century.

The current building was constructed in the 18th century with a scenic staircase necessitated by the steep slope of the terrain.

The façade, made of limestone, is simple and divided into two orders by protruding cornices. Similar to that of the Church of the Carmine, it is defined by Corinthian pilasters and culminates in a three-opening bell loggia. The single-nave interior houses five painted altars and an exedra apse, all embellished with neoclassical friezes and stuccos.

Despite the damage from the 1990 earthquake, which created a large longitudinal crack through the roof and façade, careful restoration is now healing the cracks and foundations to return the church to its ancient decorum.