Sao Joao Baptista Church

Sao Joao Baptista Church

Elevated: After 1658Â Â Â Â Feast: 24th June

History: Originally there was a small Chapel at Pilerne built in 1658. Erected into a parish, it was rebuilt twice by the Franciscan Friars. The church was further improved and the parochial house was enlarged. The sacristy was added later on. The Monument to Christ the King, was erected in 1978. There is a small Grotto to Our Lady of Lourdes.

Architectural notes:

• Mannerist Neo-Roman style
• Large size, 5 bays x 3 storeys
• Sequence of Arch-Rectangle-Oculus-Niche
• Short engaged columns with simple petalled capitals
• Coarse alettes, high pedestals and three oculi seen in façade
• Finials of spear type, twin bell turrets