Oratorio di San Giovanni Nepomuceno

Saint John Nepomucene was once widely invoked for protection against the dangers of water, such as floods and drownings; he was also considered the protector of bridges. For these reasons, the shrines and oratories dedicated to the saint were always placed in close proximity to waterways and bridges.

In Arcole, by the end of the eighteenth century, there was a small shrine dedicated to the saint, likely damaged during the clashes between Napoleon's soldiers and the Austrians. The shrine was then rebuilt in 1835 by the Genovesi family.

The current chapel dates back to the early 1900s: it is a simple structure with a square plan, with a vertical size that makes it stand out from the surrounding environment. Its architectural lines are reminiscent of the Art Nouveau style of the early twentieth century. Inside, above a small altar, is the statue of Saint John Nepomucene holding the palm of martyrdom in his left hand. The side walls are adorned with paintings depicting Saint John confessing to the queen of Prague, and a scene that alludes to Psalm 42 “as the deer longs for the streams of water.”

Until a few years ago, some surviving ex-votos were also kept inside, which testified to the devotion and gratitude towards the saint for received grace.