Information about the original church dedicated to Saint Januarius (san Gennaro in Italian) dates back to the 1300s, under the patronage of the noble Amalfitan families Corsario and D’Alagno until 1859, when it became the property of the Praiano community.
It was after this transition that the church was demolished and rebuilt, completing in 1602, showcasing the impressive architectural features that we can still admire today.
It has a Latin cross plan with three naves, featuring a majestic barrel vault with lunettes in the central aisle, and cross vaults connecting to the five side chapels. A stucco bas-relief of Saint Januarius adorns the barrel vault, surrounded by floral decorations in the arches of the lunettes. The dome over the central area of the transept is internally decorated with stucco and externally with ceramic tiles.
The structure also comprises an octagonal sacristy serving as the chapel for the patron saint, a bell tower from the 1700s, and a majolica-tiled floor with vibrant floral decorations and polychrome geometries (the original from 1771 was replaced in 1966). A precious wooden pulpit, gifted by the Cathedral of Amalfi in 1907, is located before the transept and features pedestals adorned with lion’s paws; a 19th-century Neapolitan organ covers the rose window of the central apse.
Among the most artistically significant paintings are the canvas of Saint Januarius’ martyrdom, the painting of Saint Bartholomew by G. B. Lama, the 16th-century Madonna del Carmine, and Francesco Saverio Corbelli’s Last Supper from 1761 in the sacristy. The 17th-century statue of the patron saint, missing hands and head mounted on a silver bust, is a testament to historical devotion. The current facade dates back to 1931, designed by engineer Parlato.