Chiesa di Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa in Massa Lubrense preserves the architectural legacy of a seventeenth-century religious community associated with Serafina di Dio. Brick pilasters, dark piperno stone and eighteenth-century decoration distinguish its church.

Why it matters

The foundation connects Massa Lubrense with Serafina's religious work on Capri and around the gulf. Civic and episcopal support, together with a local benefactor's land donation, made the new community possible in 1673.

What to notice

The facade, completed by Giuseppe Stendardo, combines a piperno cornice with brick pilasters and distinctive capitals. A ramp and paired staircases form its architectural approach. Inside, the polychrome marble high altar dates to 1757–1763. The maiolica floor is attributed to the Chiajese, while a painting of Santa Teresa d'Avila is attributed to Andrea Malinconico.

Context and history

Augusta Maldacea donated the land for the foundation promoted by the local Università and Bishop Francesco Maria Neri. Serafina di Dio helped establish the community. Subsequent alterations included the loss of a courtyard and portico during road construction. The monastery passed to the Discalced Carmelite nuns in 1942, another distinct phase in its religious history.