Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Ispica
Giuseppe Scandura
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Ispica is the most important place of worship in the city of Ispica and one of the most popular examples of the late Sicilian Baroque style. It has been awarded the important recognition of Italian National Monument and the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It was built in the eighteenth century in order to house the simulacrum of the Most Holy Christ at the Column, who escaped the destruction of the old Church of Santa Maria della Cava present in Cava Ispica.
The very elegant facade has a very light color and is enriched by the presence of Corinthian capitals. At the ends of the facade are the statues of San Gregorio and Santa Rosalia. Next to the church stands a large bell tower dating back to the eighteenth century, whose bell was obtained from the fusion of the gold of the faithful.
The interior, with a Latin cross shape, is divided into three naves by pillars. Of particular value are the frescoes made by Olivio Sozzi, one of the most qualified painters of the Sicilian eighteenth century, on the vault of the central nave, on the transept, on the apse and on the dome. Sozzi died in Ispica and was buried, as per his will, in the same church he frescoed. Following his death a legend was born.
Among the works kept in the church, of particular value are: the canvas depicting the "Madonna with Child among Saints Gregory, Girolamo, Lucia and Rosalia", by Vito D ' Anna from 1768; and a wooden sculpture of Santa Maria Maggiore.
