Oratory of the MADONNA DEL SUFFRAGIO
santa Margherita Ligure
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Oratory of Nostra Signora del Suffragio, founded in 1523, is a place of worship of great historical and cultural importance. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations, with the last major one taking place in the late 19th century, when the façade was completely redone.
The oratory holds two treasures: an ancient Ligurian organ and the painting Christ in Chains by the painter Domenico Piola.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
The organ was originally built for the Church of the Albergo dei Poveri in Genoa and was completed in 1688 by Tomaso I Roccatagliata. In 1861, it was purchased by the Confraternity of the Nostra Signora del Suffragio. Over the centuries, it has undergone several restorations but has retained its original phonic material. According to current archival research, it is the oldest dated organ preserved in Liguria.
The craft of organ building is deeply rooted in Santa Margherita Ligure. Local organists are custodians of a craft that began with the Roccatagliata, Ciurlo, and De Ferrari families—artisans active in Liguria as early as the 17th century. These families, who established their workshops in this coastal town, sustained the organ-building tradition into the early 20th century, leaving behind numerous examples of their craftsmanship.