Oratorio di Santa Maria 'n Selàa

In a small square among Tellaro's lanes, the oratory of Santa Maria 'n Selàa carries a dialect place-name in its dedication. Deconsecrated and owned by the Comune di Lerici, it is among the village's oldest surviving sacred buildings.

Why it matters

The building is among Tellaro's historic sacred sites. It began with military functions before becoming, in 1630, the oratory of the Confraternita dei Battuti di Santa Maria, one of the lay brotherhoods that shaped religious life across Liguria. It belongs to the Comune di Lerici as a deconsecrated public asset. The oratory reflects how a fishing village organised its devotional life alongside the churches of San Giorgio and Stella Maris.

What to notice

A bas-relief on the facade shows hooded figures, the visual signature of the Battuti, whose members processed in hooded robes. The relief reflects the building's confraternity history. Unlike San Giorgio on its promontory or Stella Maris near the village entrance, the oratory occupies a small square enclosed by houses. The dialect form of the dedication, 'n Selàa, marks it as a local name.

Context and history

The Comune di Lerici has traced the building's origins to a structure with military functions, in keeping with Tellaro's fortified layout under Genoese rule. In 1630 it passed to the Confraternita dei Battuti di Santa Maria and served as their oratory; the hooded figures on the facade recall that history. In later decades it left liturgical use and was deconsecrated. In August 2025, the municipality announced a phased restoration programme, beginning with the facade and followed by planned interior work. The project reflects the continuing municipal interest in preserving Tellaro's historic buildings.