Sciacca (AG) - Basilica Maria SS del Soccorso - Sicily
- Tuttitaly
- Oct 5
- 2 min read
Italian municipality of approximately 38 thousand inhabitants of the free municipal consortium of Agrigento. A seaside, tourist, and spa city rich in monuments and churches, it is the most populous municipality in the province after the capital. Known for its historic carnival and ceramics... #tuttitaly
Located in Sicily, the city of Sciacca boasts an ancient and fascinating history that has left an indelible mark over the centuries. Originally known as the thermal baths of the mythical Selinunte, Sciacca is now renowned for its well-preserved architectural evidence of the various dominations that have characterized the region.
During the Greek era, Sciacca was frequented by the citizens of Selinunte, while the Romans called it Thermae Selinuntinae. It was under Arab rule that the city acquired its current name, derived from the term "as-saqqah," which means "fissure." The Islamic influence is still evident in neighborhoods like Rabato, with the typical intricate layouts of Arab cities.
From the 15th to the 16th century, Sciacca experienced a period of significant economic expansion, becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in Sicily due to its strategic control of the Sicilian Channel. In 1870, the discovery of coral banks further boosted the local economy, along with the thermal activities that became increasingly important.
Today, Sciacca is a city rich in artworks and valuable architecture. Its historic center, with its evocative alleys and streets that seem suspended in time, invites exploration of every corner. Among the main attractions is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena, dating back to the 12th century and adorned with frescoes by Tommaso Rossi.
Another must-see experience in Sciacca is visiting the ceramic workshops to admire high-quality ceramic artworks. Sciacca's craftsmanship has a long tradition of producing ceramics decorated with fantastic and original motifs, which are highly appreciated throughout Sicily.
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