Church of Maria Santissima degli Angeli in Assoro

In the heart of Sicily there is a country that geography and history have made magical: nature bestows the wonders of Erei Mountains, while history has given this village, now populated by 4.800 inhabitants in the province of Enna, treasures like the Church of Maria Santissima degli Angeli in Assoro.

The Church of Maria Santissima degli Angeli di Assoro was built in 1622 on the site where the Church of Santa Margherita. At the behest of the Reformed Franciscan Fathers, the old sacred building was annexed to the new one, giving life to an extraordinary Church of truly out of the ordinary beauty.

A large library was originally annexed to the Church, later turned into a prison; the fate of the Church of Maria Santissima degli Angeli in Assoro was full of changes and so, following the Second World War, the Church first played the role of an orphanage and then that of a school connected to the Parish of San Leone.

Il Church convent has recently been refurbished and transformed into archaeological Museumbut there is literally not an inch in the entire Church that is not steeped in history, art and wonder. The very rich frescoes in the interior date back to the 1650th century, while the external staircase was built in XNUMX.

The architecture of the Church of Maria Santissima degli Angeli in Assoro and what to admire inside

From the outside, the Church of Maria SS. of the Angels of Assoro it looks like a typical Franciscan building, solid, but simple and humble in its appearances; it is only upon entering the Church that we are overwhelmed by the richness and beauty of the Baroque decorations. Between floral motifs and geometric designs, artificial perspectives and images taken from Mary's life, there is no place for emptiness inside the Church. Even the floors and the vault, the choir and the niches, like the one with the statue of the Madonna degli Angeli, are all finely decorated.

In the Convent area it is possible to visit the archaeological Museum, While the Crypt which was used for the burial of the monks, is not currently open to the public.

Of particular beauty is also therefectory hall, where it is possible to admire a fresco of the Last Supper, by an unknown artist.

What you can do in the Church of Maria Santissima degli Angeli in Assoro and in the surrounding area

At the Church of Maria SS. of the Angels of Assoro the faithful who are in holiday in Assoro they can gather in prayer and follow Mass, but also discover the baroque beauties of one of the most surprising churches in our country. At the moment, however, it is not yet possible to visit the crypt, so we suggest you continue your tour in Assoro, also visiting the other beautiful churches in the town, such as the Basilica of San Leone, Mother Church of the village, built in 1186 and became a National Monument in 1933. As you walk through the entrance, you will instantly understand why this church has been designated one of the most beautiful in our country.

Among the most interesting buildings in Assoro, there is also the Convent of the Poor Clares (today seat of the Town Hall) with the Pinacoteca, the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine with the tomb of Francesco Valguarnera and the Church of the Holy Spirit, built in the thirteenth century in Gothic style.

As you stroll through the village, you will also find other buildings to discover, such as the Palace of the Valguarnera Princes or Bell tower of San Biagio, while the oldest building in the town is the Parish church of San Giorgio, which dates back to the XNUMXth century.

Returning to the present, in Assoro you can taste delicious traditional dishes, such as cutlets in vinegar or murata meat, mussels au gratin or swordfish rolls; if in the village there are several restaurants where you can taste the best traditional dishes, in the surroundings of Assoro you can discover pizzerias, trattorias and restaurants where you can also taste the specialties of the nearby villages. In particular, we advise you to reach out Leonphon, where in addition to good food, you will also find churches, palaces, monuments and beautiful views.

How it is possible to reach the Church of Maria Santissima degli Angeli in Assoro

The Church of Maria SS. degli Angeli is located in via degli Angeli n. 73 in Assoro. The village is reached in the car, from the A19 Palermo-Catania taking the exit for Enna and continuing for Leonfonte, but it is also possible to arrive on the train, getting off at Caltanissetta Central Station (about 35 km away) and continuing to the center by bus or shuttle.