santuario, Cappella di Sant'Aurelia Marcia nella Chiesa di San Giuseppe

In the heart of the Chiesa di San Giuseppe, a Baroque chapel holds a poignant relic: the curled, sleeping figure of Saint Aurelia Marcia, a third-century Roman martyr. According to tradition, Aurelia was born into a noble pagan family around 284 AD. Her conversion to Christianity, secret baptism in the catacombs, and vow of virginity enraged her father, who imprisoned her. Refusing an arranged marriage, she was denounced, tortured, and finally beheaded at nineteen during Diocletian’s persecution, on 11 July 303 AD.

Her remains were brought from Rome to Luzzi in 1744, orchestrated by Cardinal Giuseppe Firrao, a native son who wished to honour his homeland with a distinguished martyr. The saint now lies in a wooden reliquary behind glass, curled as if asleep, one hand beneath her head on a cushion, the other holding an embroidered palm, the ancient symbol of martyrdom. The cardinal’s coat of arms and the inscription “AVRELIA MARCIA MARTYR” complete this intimate, theatrical Baroque display.

Description via source. Coordinates and heritage data from the Atika atlas.