Basilica of San Calogero in Sciacca

La Basilica of San Calogero in Sciacca is a religious building located on the Mount San Calogero, in an elevated part of the town. According to historical documents and the reconstructions by scholars and enthusiasts, the building dates back to the year 1530 with the consecration which was carried out, however, only in 1644.

It should be emphasized that, according to tradition, in this area of ​​the Sciacca area there was already a small church which was mainly used to give support to the sick and as a meeting point for pilgrims.

The reason why the basilica was dedicated to San Calogero is due to the presence of a cave which, according to historical reconstructions, came used by San Calogero as a resting place. Access to this structure is present in the area below the church.

The main characteristics of the Basilica of San Calogero in Sciacca

There are several elements of interest from an architectural and artistic point of view of this Basilica which is presented in the classic structure with three naves and with decorations that refer to multiple styles. There is no doubt that one of the most important elements is represented by the altar which depicts San Calogero with a splendid majolica.

Among other things, on the main altar of the church there is an ancient statue of San Calogero made of wood which was commissioned in 1535 by the Chaplain Antonio Bruni. One of the greatest local artists of that period was contacted, Antonello Gagini from Palermo. History has it that the statue was never completely finished because the delivery took place after the death of the artist in 1538 by his son Giacomo.

It is no coincidence that in the various documents kept in the parish reference is made to the lack of the figure of the archer which instead had been foreseen in the drawing taken as a reference at the time of signing the contract. It should be remembered that since 1948 this church with all its annexed rooms has been handed over in perpetual use to the Franciscan Third Regular Order which, moreover, has taken charge of the restructuring interventions, restoring its ancient beauty.

What the Sciacca area offers

Sciacca is a city that represents a popular tourist destination because it is rich in monuments and attractions of various kinds. Many take it into consideration to be able to take part in the historic carnival or to be able to buy his ceramic works.

There are several religious buildings worth visiting such as the Church of Maria Santissima del Soccorso inside which there are decorations and sculptures made by illustrious masters such as Antonino Gagini and Gian Domenico Gagini. Among other things, the sarcophagi of Bartolomeo Tagliavia and Gerardo Noceto are perfectly preserved inside.

The Gagini masters themselves created a beautiful marble tabernacle depicting St. Peter the Apostle and St. Paul the Apostle. In short, a structure that is worth visiting, as confirmed by the recognition given by Pope John Paul II who in 1991 raised the church to the dignity of a minor basilica. There are many other churches to visit including the church of Santa Maria delle Giummare or the Church of Sant'Agostino. As for the civil buildings, don't miss the Castle of the Moons e Palazzo Manno.

How to get to Sciacca

To reach Sciacca from Agrigento, the kilometers to travel are just over 60 via the SS115 state road. Instead, from Caltanissetta the route is 115 km, first crossing the SS640 state road and then the SS115.

© Image by Mboesch, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons