Santo Stefano is a Catholic church and former cathedral on the island of Capri, Italy. Dedicated to Saint Stephen, it is the principal house of worship in the town of Capri.[1] The religious complex was built around the Piazza Umberto Isquare in the seventeenth century. The archbishop’s palace is now used as the town hall (“Municipio”).[2] Santo Stefano and Chiesa di San Costanzo are the island’s two oldest churches.[3]
This was the church where inadvertently, I almost ended up attending the service.
When we arrived in the square, we found that the Cathedral (Cathedral of Santo Stefano) which had been closed when we first arrived in Capri, was now open. We ventured inside for a quick look before we made our way back to the harbour for the ferry.
It is a beautiful church and, after sitting for quiet reflection, I arose and took in some of the features of the church. For some reason I was drawn into a side passage, at the end of which was a large silver bust in a showcase. I continued into the passageway, which I would describe as showing Christian artifacts. I paused looking into an open room to find a gentleman standing there. He picked up a white garment and for a moment I thought he was looking at me and then I realised that he was holding a fascia and he handed it to a priest that had quite silently arrived behind me.
The gentleman then engaged me in conversation, asking me if I liked the church and where had I come from before politely saying goodbye. I realised that a church service was due to start and as I turned to make my way out of the passageway I noticed that the gentleman that had been speaking to me was carrying an incense thurible into the main body of the church. I left the church quietly, noticing that now there were many people seated quietly ready for the service as tourists were still pouring in through the entrance with their cameras in hand.
At first I thought it could be in Greece, Cherry, because of its color. I see, too, that it’s “high and lifted up.”
A lot of the churches we visited were elevated or the aisle sloped upward.
Now if you had stayed for the service, the ferry would have developed a glitch and would be there waiting for you afterward. Your arrival would see the matter sorted.
That would have been quite an experience
Looks like you had beautiful weather for your visit.
We had fabulous weather whilst we were away.
a nice anecdote, CP. i guess the service explains all the people outside.
The photo with all the people outside was taken earlier in the day when the church was closed. This shows how touristy the square was.
We really must get to this part of Italy. It doesn’t seem as crowded as I had been told it was.
Parts of it are crowded but there are some really quiet places too
Lovely to see all your photos and read about Capri – it looks a beautiful place to visit.
It is a nice place although a little busy in places.
I would love to visit Capri one day!
I recommend visiting on a boat trip from the Amalfi coast