Sanctuary of Most Holy Mary of Audience of Sambuca di Sicilia
The Sanctuary of Maria Santissima dell'Udienza in Sambuca di Sicilia is the fulcrum of the territory of Sambuca, and the city was built around it.
It was built in 1530 in the place where the church of Sant'Antonio Abate.
The church is located in an elevated position with respect to the road, which gives it greater monumentality. The façade, divided into two orders, is characterized by four pairs of columns with capitals, two placed in the lower part and two in the upper level. On the first level we find the magnificent wooden entrance portal with engravings and various decorations, which extend throughout the body of the building.
The interior is divided into three naves punctuated by five bays, separated by round arches and scenographic pillars which are surmounted by round arches.
The statue rests in the niche of the central nave. marble of the Madonna dell'Udienza, attributed to Antonello Gagini and dating back to the early sixteenth century, of great artistic and religious value. Originally, the statue of the Madonna dell’Udienza belonged to private individuals, but was later found in 1575 by a farmer who took it around the city in the hope of healing it from the plague. Following this gesture, the miracle occurred, the plague ended in a very short time and the Madonna dell’Udienza became the patron saint of the city of Sambuca.
