Mother Church of Polizzi Generosa - Santa Maria Maggiore

Located in Polizzi Generosa (PA) and also known by the name of Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore it was built in the Norman era at the behest of the Countess Adelasia di Andernò, descendant of Roger I of Sicily.
The construction of the place of worship it began during the 1791th century and finished in 1620. Over the centuries, in fact, the structure was restored and modified several times. The Ventimiglia dynasty requested the first enlargement of the church and the addition of Gothic elements. Then followed several renovations in 1690, in 1700 and during the 1764s. More specifically, in XNUMX, the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was demolished to be partially rebuilt at the end of the XNUMXth century.

Architecture and works inside the Polizzi Generosa Mother Church

The interior of the Mother Church Polizzi Generosa it is characterized by the basilican structure with three naves. The latter are divided by pillars enriched by capitals and pointed arches.
The walls of the church house works of inestimable historical and artistic value such as the altarpiece (polyptych) by Antonello Crescenzio but also the baptismal font by Giorgio da Milano.
Among the works of art present inside the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore it is possible to mention paintings dating back to the 1616th century such as The Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand Martyrs and The Massacre of the Innocents by Johannes de Matta. Not only that, inside it is possible to admire the canvas created by Giuseppe Salerno, also known by the nickname of Zoppo di Gangi, which depicts the Nativity of the Lord, dating back to XNUMX.
Finally, among the Renaissance bequests it is possible to mention the marble triptych depicting the Virgin and Child between St. Francis of Assisi and St. Anthony of Padua, dating back to 1524 and the work of Bartolomeo Berrettaro, Giuliano Mancino, Francesco del Mastro and Antonello Gagini .

Activities and tourist attractions near the Polizzi Generosa Mother Church

This place of worship is located a few steps from the center of Polizzi Generosa therefore, in the immediate vicinity, it is possible to admire splendid buildings such as the Santa Margherita Church and the charming ones Roman arches. Among the points of interest in the country there is also the Church of the Commandery, erected in 1177 by Ruggero D'Aquilia.
The municipality is located about an hour's drive from Cefalù, a town renowned for its splendid beaches and for the enchanting Cathedral that surmounts the historic center.
Not only that, about 15 km from Polizzi Generosa is the wonderful Madonie Park, a protected natural area that extends over 160 km². Inside it is possible to admire the local fauna and flora but also to carry out guided walks and treks. Among the activities to be carried out in the natural area there are in fact excursions on horseback, mountain bike tours and birdwatching. Those who wish can also stay in the numerous accommodation facilities located within the park to discover traditions and typical Sicilian dishes.

How to reach the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore

By car:, those who want to reach the Mother Church of Santa Maria Maggiore starting from Palermo will have to travel about 100 km on the E90, A19 and E932 roads. Alternatively, it is possible to take the Palermo-Catania motorway (A19) and miss the Scillato exit and then continue on the SS 643 for about 18 km. Those leaving from Catania will instead have to take the Palermo-Catania motorway (A19) and take the Tre Monzelli exit, after which continue on the SS 120 and 643 for about 14km. From Messina, on the other hand, it is first necessary to take the Palermo-Messina motorway (A20) and then continue on the Palermo-Catania motorway (A19) and take the Scillato exit and then continue on the SS 643 for about 18 km.

By train, the closest railway stations to the Chiesa Madre Polizzi Generosa are those of Vallelarga (37 km) and that of Buonfornello (38 km). Also in this case, to reach the municipality of Polizzi Generosa it is necessary to continue by car.

© Image by Charles Columba, CC BY-SA 2.5 IT, via Wikimedia Commons