It was the only structure to resist the 1693 earthquake, remaining largely intact and requiring only a few restoration operations. Today, it is undoubtedly among the most precious and important buildings and places of worship in Scicli. Inside, you can admire an eighteenth-century nativity scene among Sicily's most beautiful and famous... #UNESCO #tuttitaly
Located in a natural setting of rare beauty, the Church of San Bartolomeo in Scicli represents an architectural gem in the heart of the Sicilian city. The first historical traces of this church date back to the 15th century, and despite the earthquake of 1693, the structure did not suffer significant damage. However, in 1752, reconstruction work began, leading to the creation of the current structure.
Architect Portoghesi described the church as "a pearl inside the valves of a shell," emphasizing the uniqueness and beauty of its architecture. The church facade features three orders that testify to the transition from late Baroque to neoclassical architecture. Architectural elements, such as columns and pilasters of different styles, give the church an imposing grandeur. The large bell cell crowned by a ribbed dome is one of the distinctive elements of the structure.
Inside, the church has a single nave shaped like a Latin cross. Works of art and sepulchral monuments enrich the environment, bearing witness to illustrious figures linked to the church's history. The marble monuments from 1631, created by Francesco Lucchese, house the remains of two citizens of Scicli, Don Vincenzo Miccichè and his father, Don Giuseppe Miccichè. The latter, belonging to a noble local family and a confraternity of San Bartolomeo, played a fundamental role in the church's reconstruction and the refurbishment of the main chapel.
Works of art of inestimable value adorn the church's interiors, such as Francesco Cassarino's canvas of the Immaculate Conception among Saints Guglielmo and Bartolomeo and Francesco Pascucci's Martyrdom of San Bartolomeo. Pietro Padula's eighteenth-century Nativity scene enchants visitors with its evocative scenery and statues depicting characters of the Christian tradition.
The surrounding landscape, with caves and rocks, reflects the natural environment of the San Bartolomeo quarry, offering a picturesque backdrop to the church's religious context. The frescoes and sculptures inside tell stories of faith and tradition, enriching the experience of believers and visitors who immerse themselves in this atmosphere full of history and spirituality.
The Church of San Bartolomeo in Scicli is an authentic Sicilian Baroque gem. Here, art, faith, and history blend to create a unique and evocative experience.
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