Ruins of the Oratory of Santa Caterina

The Oratory of Santa Caterina: Origins and History

The Oratory of Santa Caterina of Alexandria appears in documents from the second half of the 16th century, but its roots likely date back to the 14th century, alongside the founding of the Confraternity of Santa Caterina. This small yet significant spiritual center grew in importance over the centuries, reaching its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries, during a time when the “casacce” — the Genoese confraternities — flourished and played a central role in the religious and social life of the community.

Restoration and Renewal

Around 1766-1767, the architect and painter Rocco Costa carried out an important restoration of the oratory, consolidating its structure and enhancing its interiors. However, the fate of the building drastically changed in December 1944, when an air raid completely destroyed it. Fortunately, much of the Confraternity’s furnishings had been previously moved to Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth and Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, saving many works of art and sacred objects.

A New Home and Remembering the Fallen

In 1977, the Confraternity permanently moved to Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, where all furnishings and artworks from the old oratory were gathered. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the wartime destruction, in 1994 a majestic bronze statue representing one of the two processional maces of the priors, made of Torretta silver, was erected among the ruins. On one of the arches that survived the bombing, a white marble plaque with garnet-colored letters was placed in honor of the Patron Saint and the victims of the air raids.

A Living Tradition

Even today, the Confraternity solemnly celebrates the feast of the Patron Saint every November 25th, keeping alive the historical and spiritual memory of the oratory and the community that made it unique.