Chiesa di Santa Lucia

The Church of Santa Lucia in Grottammare stands on the site associated with the 1521 birth of Felice Peretti, later Pope Sixtus V.

Why it matters

The church reflects the papal history of Grottammare and the transformation of a birthplace into a monumental religious building. Its architecture and decoration also document the influence of Sixtus V's family and later civic patronage.

What to notice

The brick facade has travertine details, a broken-curved tympanum and the coat of arms of Sixtus V. An inscription records the dedication by his sister Camilla Peretti. The interior follows a Greek-cross plan beneath a dome. Its chapels contain Baroque altars, paintings and sculptures, while the organ built by Francesco Fedeli in 1752 is preserved above the entrance.

Context and history

Construction began in 1590 to a design initially entrusted to Domenico Fontana. Work paused after the death of Sixtus V and resumed at the insistence of Camilla Peretti. The church was likely completed by 1595 and raised to collegiate status in 1597. It was built on the site of the house associated with Felice Peretti's birth. The church forms part of Grottammare's heritage connected with Sixtus V.