The Marsala Cathedral, a grand testament to Christianity and art, stands as a majestic and solemn entity. Its composite language of different styles, commissions, tastes, religiosity, and devotion is a sight to behold. The cathedral is dedicated to the English saint Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury... #tuttitaly
Tucked away in the labyrinthine streets of the historic center of Marsala, in Sicily, the Cathedral dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket of Canterbury stands as a testament to history. Its origins trace back to the 12th century, a time when the Normans, inspired by a shipwreck carrying Corinthian columns destined for the church of Saint Thomas in England, decided to erect this majestic Cathedral.
The current structure of the Marsala Cathedral dates back to the 17th century and is distinguished by its impressive dimensions: 80 meters in length, 36 meters in width, and 25 meters in height. The external façade, completed only in 1956, horizontally extends in a lavish and detail-rich Baroque style.
A peculiar feature of this Cathedral is the two majestic corner bell towers topped by domes housing statues of saints such as Saint John the Baptist, Saint Thomas, Saint Leo, and Saint Gregory the Great.
Once you cross the threshold of the Cathedral, your eyes are captured by the three majestic naves, divided by elegant marble columns. The side naves lead to the twelve richly decorated chapels, preserved works of art by great masters such as Domenico and Antonello Gagini, Antonello Riccio, and Bartolomeo Berrettaro.
A visit to the Marsala Cathedral is a spiritually and aesthetically fulfilling experience. It allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history and art that have shaped this beautiful cathedral over the centuries.
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