Chiesa di Santa Maria della Purita

The Church of Santa Maria della Purità in Gallipoli was built in 1664 as the oratory of the city's dockworkers and is known for its richly decorated interior.

Why it matters

The church reflects the relationship between Gallipoli's maritime economy and the devotional life of its working community. Its small scale and elaborate decoration form a distinctive example of local Baroque art.

What to notice

The facade combines exposed carparo stone with three maiolica panels depicting the Madonna della Purità, Saint Joseph and Saint Francis. Inside, eighteenth-century canvases by Liborio Riccio line the single nave, with carved wooden choir stalls and a maiolica floor. Luca Giordano's Madonna with Saints Joseph and Francis is the principal altarpiece.

Context and history

The oratory was built in 1664 by the corporation of port stevedores. Its dedication to the Madonna della Purità reflects a devotion popular among working communities in the Salento. Restoration begun in 2005 consolidated the painted surfaces and wooden furnishings, and the building reopened in 2009.