Mother Church of Cerda

La Church of Maria Santissima Immacolata, Located Cerda, boasts a rather ancient history and represents one of the symbols of the small Sicilian village in the province of Palermo.

History of the Mother Church of Cerda

According to documents, the Church was built and consecrated to the Immaculate Conception between the 1800th and 1825th centuries and then restored during the XNUMXs. The Church was part of the diocese of Cefalù until XNUMX, when it passed under the diocese of Palermo where it still remains today. The structure stands on the enchanting Piazza la Mantia.

Architecture and works of art kept inside the Mother Church of Cerda

As regards architecture, the Mother Church does not present important structural innovations compared to the churches built in the same century. However, there are reminders and small variations allo Sicilian baroque style. For this reason the structure may apparently appear neoclassical. The facade is also rather simple with a central portal and secondary lateral entrances surmounted by small windows. Access to the building is via a staircase to the right of which is the Artichoke Monument, a 9-metre work by the artist Dino Pontano.
Inside the Church of Maria SS. Immaculate of Cerda works of inestimable historical value are preserved, such as the simulacrum of Our Lady of Sorrows, patron saint of the city.

What to do in and around the Mother Church of Cerda

The Church of Maria SS. Immacolata is located in the historic center of the city and is therefore in the immediate vicinity of squares, monuments, churches and places of interest. More specifically it is possible to mention Baronial palace Also known as Marquis Palace, Russo Palace e Rabbit Palace. The latter is located on the eastern side of the square of the same name.

The town is located a short distance from small and large urban centers such as Termini Imerese, Palermo e Cefalù. Not only that, Cerda is just over 50 km from Madonie Park, the protected natural area included in the Global Geoparks Network by UNESCO in 2015. The park extends over an area of ​​approximately 40.000 hectares and is home to various fauna and flora species.
For this reason, the town is the ideal destination for a trip out of town but also as an intermediate stop during a coast to coast trip or towards the east coast of the island.

How to reach the Mother Church of Cerda

It is possible to reach the Church Maria SS. Immacolata di Cerda starting from the main urban centers of the island.

Starting from Palermo by car it is necessary to take the E90 up to Termini Imerese then take the exit towards Agglomerato Industriale, then continue on the SS120 towards Cerda.
From Catania it is necessary to take the A19 motorway towards Palermo up to Resuttano and then take the Resuttano exit. Continue on the A19/E932 to Petralia Sottana towards the SS113. Take the Campofelice di Roccella exit and continue on the SS120 towards Cerda.
Starting from Messina however, it is necessary to take the A20 motorway to Termini Imerese and then take the Porto Imbarco/Agglomerato Industriale exit. Continue on SS113 towards SS120 towards Cerda.

© Image by Austernfischer ry, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons