Church of Maria Santissima della Catena in Riesi

The history of the church of Maria SS. of the Chain in Riesi

The Church built in honor of Maria Santissima della Catena, in Riesi, is the Town Cathedral, a place of worship where all the celebrations dedicated to the Patroness of the municipality also take place.

The Cathedral was built in 1722 on commission from Marquis of Coscoquela, but it was only after a long period of about 30 years that the church was truly completed. In the meantime, however, it had already become very important for the community of Riesi.

The church of Maria Santissima della Catena honors the story of three condemned to death in 1931, who saw their lives saved thanks to the intercession of Madonna of the Chain in Palermo and, since then, it has been consecrated to Mary Most Holy.

This church still houses a secret crypt, whose entrance is unknown and in which the earthly remains of ancient ancestors are kept, but it is believed that the entrance has not been disclosed, to preserve the tranquility of the deceased who they rest there.

Many of the ancient traditions of the Riesi community are linked to this place, some of which have now been lost, but all of which are fascinating and engaging, such as the horse fair, the alms for the offering of grain or the musical show organized by the town band, an event which can still be witnessed on festive days.

The architecture of the church of Maria SS. della Catena in Riesi and the works of art that are kept there

The Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Catena has a Latin cross plan and features stuccoes, but also frescoes, by Gambino and Alaimo, two eighteenth-century artists who worked in Palermo.

The interior of the church is dominated by the colors of white and blue, especially in the area of ​​theapse, which is also the most sumptuous part of the whole cathedral: divided into two parts, in the apse area you can admire the Marian coat of arms in the upper part, accompanied by arches, flowers, festoons and lunettes, and four Corinthian style columns, in the lower, which protect the niche of the Madonna. In this part below, there are also the statues of two other patrons of Riesi.

St John Bosco, also co-patron of the town, is instead depicted on one of the canvases exhibited in the transept. The vault of the cathedral shows images with scenes from the Holy Scriptures, representing the nativity and depicting Mary with angels.

The church also houses many other furnishings and sacred vestments, alongside decorations of great beauty.

What to do around the church of Maria SS. of the Chain in Riesi

The Church of Maria Santissima della Catena in Riesi is a religious and tourist attraction at the same time: among the many churches in Sicily, this one undoubtedly deserves a visit, to admire its particular architectural and artistic beauties, but also to stop in prayer, a moment of recollection or to attend a liturgical celebration, for the faithful who wish to do so. The church naturally welcomes all faithful tourists like any other member of the local community.

Once on site, all the church can be visited, of which the beauty of the apse area is particularly noteworthy, on which to linger for the richness of the decorative details.

Naturally, those who wish can also visit the other churches in Riesi, such as the parish of San Giovanni Bosco or the Church of San Giuseppe, with its beautiful staircase that crosses the town, positioning itself in close contact with the community.

Riesi is a municipality of the Free Municipal Consortium of Caltanissetta and about 11.000 people live here: a small and charming center to visit, to discover its daytime life among cafes and restaurants, or night life, in the beautiful Piazza Garibaldi, overlooked by the Cathedral and which in the evening lights up in a suggestive atmosphere and with its premises becomes a meeting point between inhabitants and tourists.

If you have a few more hours available, you can also schedule a visit to Trabia Tallarita Mine Museum, where one of the oldest and most extensive sulfur mines in Sicily stood, to get to know an important part of the island's history up close and thus complete a real cultural tour.

Among the larger cities that can be visited in the surrounding area, Agrigento and Enna are located within approximately 50 km of distance. This itinerary is perfect if you have a few days available to spend in Sicily and you want to enjoy both the beauty of the sea and the hospitality of the hinterland.

How to get to the church of Maria SS. of the Chain in Riesi

The Church of Maria Santissima della Catena in Riesi is located in Piazza Garibaldi, where it is easily recognizable by the ancient stone facade and bell tower.

Riesi can be easily reached by car or train, being able to count on public transport and private shuttles that arrive in the center of the town.

By car, take the A19 Palermo – Catania, until the exit for Caltanissetta.

By train, it is possible to get off at the stations of Caltanissetta Centrale (23 km) or Agrigento Centrale (44 km) and continue by bus or shuttle, which will take you to your destination.

© Cyrano, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons