Church of the Madonna del Soccorso

The church of the Madonna del Soccorso stands in the historical centre of the municipality of Forio and is one of the most visited places on the island. It perches on a promontory overlooking the sea and can be seen from very far off, because the church was created as a landmark for sailors and fishermen from Forio.

Returning to land could be very difficult, particularly in winter, when sudden storms at sea could catch men unawares. Once they had spotted the church it meant they weren’t too far from shore and from safety.

The imposing mass of the Soccorso stands out against the magnificent backdrop of sky and sea. Its unique architecture reveals a Moorish influence and it has a very large parvise decorated with extremely fine 18th-century majolica. The interior is small and welcoming, with a circular layout and a number of chapels containing votive offerings from fishermen who have escaped shipwreck.

If you want to admire it in all its glory, we recommend visiting it at sunset, when you can enjoy a spectacle within a spectacle.