San Luca
Welcome to San Luca
Welcome to the hamlet of San Luca, located about 6 km from the town of Montefalco, in the province of Perugia. This small community has a population of about 160 people and is located on one of the foothills of the Monti Martani, at an altitude of 228 m above sea level, equidistant from Spoleto and Foligno. Today, we will talk about the history, monuments, and traditions of this fascinating place.
History of San Luca
San Luca has been inhabited since Roman times, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological finds in the area. In the Middle Ages, it was a simple settlement near the church dedicated to the Evangelist and belonged to the municipality of Trevi, under whose jurisdiction it remained until 1809. Later, it became a municipality attached to Montefalco, along with the neighboring towns of Fratta and Fabbri. With the unification of Italy, San Luca was reduced to a hamlet.
In 1861, the Virgin appeared to Federico Cionchi, a boy from San Luca who was herding animals near the church of San Bartolomeo. In the following years, a shrine was built, now called Madonna della Stella, where we find a convent and a novitiate high school, run by the Passionist fathers.
Monuments of San Luca
The parish church of San Luca was built in 1934, designed by Girolamo Zuccari and consecrated two years later. Inside, you can admire two frescoes dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, detached from the old parish church. At the lapidarium of the Civic Museum of Montefalco, we find a remarkable Corinthian capital found in the rectory located near the church.
At the Shrine of Madonna della Stella, built by the Perugian architect Giovanni Santini in the 19th century, you can admire the Apparitions and other Marian manifestations, according to tradition, from the child Federico Cionchi in 1862.
Traditions of San Luca
San Luca boasts a very ancient and important tradition linked to the celebration of Good Friday, which gave birth to the Drama of the Passion. This sacred representation attracts thousands of spectators every year.
Since 1952, San Luca has hosted one of the few nurseries in the region, managed for many years by the sisters of Divine Providence.
Since 1990, every year, Sanluchese Week is held, an event that attracts thousands of people. It is a traditional festival that lasts ten days and culminates in shows, music, food, and bonfires. Unfortunately, since 2018 the festival has been interrupted due to structural problems in the church where it was celebrated.
Conclusion
San Luca is a small village immersed in nature, with ancient origins and important traditions. We are sure that if you visit it, you will be fascinated by its history and the beauty of its monuments. Don't forget to participate in Sanluchese Week if you are in the area in July!
