The Cathedral, the highest expression of Sicilian Baroque, stands majestically on a staircase delimited by an imposing iron gate. It is characterized by a "tower" facade incorporating the bell tower and a 43-meter-high dome. Its central axis is slightly rotated to the square. In this way, those observing from the Piazza Duomo can admire the church in its three dimensions and dome... #UNESCO #tuttitaly
The Cathedral of St. George, once the city's Mother Church, has a rich history of changes and transformations.
Originally located at the east end of the town, near the current Iblean Garden, the church pre-1693 was severely damaged by an earthquake. Despite this, some parts survived, including part of the facade and the Main Chapel.
In the 18th century, it was decided to transfer the church to a more central location in the town to resolve the situation. The construction project of the new place of worship was entrusted to the architect Rosario Gagliardi in 1738. This building is considered one of the architect's finest works, characterized by a monumental tower facade with an integrated bell tower.
The facade of the Cathedral, completed in 1775, features a large portal decorated with reliefs and vegetal friezes, the work of the carver Vincenzo Fiorello. Inside, the church is divided into three aisles by sturdy stone pillars, with sculptural decorations created between 1779 and 1781 by Giambattista Muccio and Giorgio Nobile of Ragusa.
In the side chapels, you can admire paintings by Sicilian 18th-century artists, while above the side doors, the simulacra carried in procession during the feast of St. George are preserved. The central nave houses a large organ from 1887, considered a masterpiece of the "Serassi" company from Bergamo.
In the adjacent sacristy, a fragment of a monumental limestone altar carved by the sculptor Antonino Gagini for the old church of St. George between 1573 and 1576 is preserved. This and other artifacts recovered from the ruins of the old church testify to the magnificence of the original work.
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