St. Peter's Basilica in Collesano

Also known as Mother Church, St. Peter's Basilica in Collesano it was built during the second half of the 1548th century and consecrated by bishop Mariano Manno da Sciacca in the mid-1912th century, more precisely in XNUMX. The Basilica was built adjacent to the Watch Tower and its purpose, until XNUMX, was to of bell tower.
Only a few years later, i.e. in 1983, it was elevated to a minor basilica at the behest of Pope John Paul II.

Architecture and works of art preserved in the Basilica of San Pietro in Collesano

As regards the architecture of St. Peter's Basilica, the exterior has a main entrance, present since construction, and a right side entrance, created later, characterized by a Gothic-Catalan style portal.

What distinguishes the facade of the Church is the majestic staircase that leads to the main entrance while the interior is characterized by a Latin cross layout.
The interior of the St. Peter's Basilica in Collesano it consists of three naves surmounted by 14 columns with a polygonal base. To the right of the entrance there is an XNUMXth century sedan chair richly decorated with paintings and gold inlays which in the past was used during processions. In the same point there is also a wonderful marble baptismal font dating back to the mid-XNUMXth century and two wooden statues depicting San Rocco and San Giovanni Battista.
Inside the Basilica there are also works of inestimable historical and artistic value dating back to the 1624th and 1555th centuries. Among these there is a cycle of frescoes from XNUMX dedicated to the Eucharist which portray Saints Peter and Paul painted by Gaspare Vazzano also known by the name of Zoppo di Gangi but also an enchanting Crucifix of Providence from XNUMX, suspended over the central nave and supported by an imposing wooden apparatus depicting the Resurrection.

Among the treasures kept within the walls of the Basilica there are also a sixteenth-century style organ, restored in 1627 by Antonino La Valle, a marble tabernacle from 1489 and the painting called Madonna of Miracles depicting the Annunciation as well patron saint of Collesano.

What to do around the Basilica of San Pietro in Collesano

The Basilica of San Pietro di Collesano is located in the center of the town therefore in the immediate vicinity it is possible to admire numerous monuments, squares and places of interest. Among the main ones are the Church of the Annunziata Nuova also known as Church of the Rosary, Fatta-Del Bosco Palace, Medieval Castle and archaeological site and environmental of Monte d'Oro.
Not only that, Collesano is within easy reach of beautiful seaside towns such as Cefalù or large centers like Palermo. The city is also located within the Madonie Park, a protected natural area born in the early eighties which extends for over 39000 hectares and includes various municipalities in the area. For this reason it is a perfect destination for one trip out of town or as an intermediate stop on a trip to the east coast.

How to reach the Basilica of San Pietro in Collesano

It is possible to reach the Basilica of San Pietro di Collesano starting from the main urban centres. More specifically, starting from Palermo by car it is necessary to take the A19 motorway towards Catania until the Buonfornello exit and then continue on the SS113 until Collesano.

Starting from Catania it is necessary to take the A19 motorway towards Palermo until the Resuttano exit, then take the A19/E932 at Petralia Sottana until the Scillato exit and then continue on the SS643 up to Collesano.

Starting from Messina however, it is necessary to take the A20 motorway towards Ceflù until the Ceflù exit and then continue on the SS113 up to Collesano.