Mother Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola - Scicli (RG) - UNESCO Heritage - Noto Valley - Sicily

In Baroque style and rich in gilded and frescoed stuccoes, it is among the city's oldest churches still open for worship. It became the Matrix in 1874 to replace the church of S. Matteo (1629 preceding the earthquake) and was rebuilt in 1751... #UNESCO #tuttitaly

Position📍    Video 🎥

The Mother Church of Scicli, one of the oldest churches in the city, has a history rich in events and meanings. Founded at the request of the Miccichè family, the current Mother Church originates in the 17th century as a Jesuit church dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Despite the devastating earthquake of 1693 that severely damaged the building, the Mother Church was rebuilt in 1751, as evidenced by the date on the facade.

In 1874, it replaced the old Mother Church of St. Matthew and retained the name of St. Ignatius, to which the title of St. William the Hermit was added in 1986 for the parish function.

Strategically located in Piazza Italia in the historic center of Scicli, the church has a basilica plan with three aisles and an imposing structure characterized by pillars and semi-columns.

Inside, there is a wooden pulpit from the 18th century and paintings by Bartolomeo Militello from the 19th century on the vault. The main polychrome marble altar from another demolished church is in the apse, separated from the nave by a pitchstone balustrade from Ragusa.

A silver urn in the left aisle houses the mortal remains of St. William. In the same aisle is the papier-mâché statue of the Madonna delle Milizie, co-patroness of the city, and paintings depicting the battle of the militias.

Works from the Capuchin Convent and the Church of St. Matthew enrich the right aisle, including a canvas by Antonino Manoli from 1721 depicting St. William praying over Scicli before the 17th-century earthquake.

The Mother Church of Scicli is a place rich in history, art, and spirituality that deserves a closer visit.

Discover other wonders on www.tuttitaly.com

"Click here to see the full album"