Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Tortorici
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The construction of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Tortorici it began in 1756 and was completed in 1798.
Part of the materials came from old church of Santa Maria de Platea, destroyed by two floods in 1682 and 1753.
From the same site were also taken both three fragments of bas-relief depicting the Virgin Mary between two angels (by Petrus Jofrida), and a coat of arms with a stone crown, bearing the inscription Maria Assumpta Est.
Architecture and any works of art present inside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Tortorici
Inside the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Tortorici there are many paintings made by Giuseppe Tomasi, just think of Santa Maria delle Grazie with San Giovanni and Santa Lucia, Spasimo and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Also noteworthy is a wooden pulpit made up of eight panels depicting the four fathers of the church and the four evangelists, an organ dating back to the eighteenth century and built by Giovanni Platania of Acireale.
In the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary there is a wooden altar with carvings, gilded and decorated with paintings.
The work was created by two artists, namely Giuseppe de Giovanni and the local sculptor Sebastiano Leone.
Adjacent to the church stands the bell tower, where there is a mega bell weighing two tons.
It was cast by the two master bell-ringers Antonino Garbatu and Jeronimo Domenico and its sound is so strong that it can be heard as far as Serru 'a Spina, a mountain locality four hours' walk from the centre.
It is said that in the past lost individuals found their way back thanks to the powerful chimes.
Needless to say, the collaboration of several men capable of pulling the strings is required to operate it.
However, it is possible to hear the melodious sounds only from the first to the 28th of January and during the second Sunday of May, when it is time to celebrate San Sebastian, protector of the Municipal Police e Patron Saint of the country.
What you can do around the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Tortorici
Once the visit to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta is over, it is advisable to visit the historic center of Tortorici, which, being of medieval origins, is characterized by cobbled streets, narrow alleys, stairways, stone portals and fountains.
Another place not to be missed is Villa Falcone and Borsellino, a residence located in the heart of the Nebrodi Park and capable of giving total harmony.
Here, in addition to lush vegetation, there are two small artificial lakes populated by swans and ducks.
How is it possible to get to the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Tortorici
The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Tortorici is located in Piazza Duomo.
This town is part of the province of Messina, from which it is just over an hour and a half by car, provided that you decide to take the A20/E90 motorway.
If, on the other hand, you take the A18 motorway, the journey will take an hour longer.