Church of Santa Maria La Nova in Chiaramonte Gulfi
The Church of Santa Maria La Nova in Chiaramonte Gulfi is the mother church of the city. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the village and presents a harmonious blend of different architectural styles.
It was built in 1450 as evidenced by a foundation deed. It was built in the Gothic style, with pointed arches and a ceiling in panels decorated with arabesques, and was then transformed into the Baroque style in 1608.
The facade stands tall and divided into three orders: the first order in the Corinthian style and it has a large wooden entrance portal; the second order in composite style with a large arched window; the third order in the Ionic style with a double bell tower with a large clock in the center.
The interiors of the Basilica of Santa Maria La Nova express different styles, linked to the numerous restorations carried out over time. There are details in Greek and Roman style such as the gilded stuccos by the artist Agrippino Maggiore da Mineo, in Baroque style and still some remnants of the original Gothic style.
There are several valuable works preserved inside. We recall: the canvases of the seven altars by the Palermitan artist Mercurio; the statue of the Sacred Heart by Mariano Distefano from 1870; the statue of San Francesco di Paola from 1876 by Salvatore Puccio.
