Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist
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La Cathedral Church of St. John the Baptist it is the most important place of worship in the municipality of San Giovanni Gemini. It is also known as Matrix of San Giovanni Gemini and bears his name patron saint, or St. John Baptist.
This building, in addition to its architectural and cultural importance, also hosts the annual Feast of Jesus of Nazareth, a religious event capable of bringing the most ancient traditions of the area to the present day, showing you aspects of local folklore that you will not be able to find anywhere else.
History of the Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista in San Giovanni Gemini
The Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista was built in the early years of Seventeenth century, thanks to the work of the Duke Ercole Branciforte, who wanted to give the historic town a point in which to concentrate the religious faith of the area.
During the mid-seventeenth century, the Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista was enriched by the presence of an important work, the Wooden Crucifix of Jesus of Nazareth, whose author is shrouded in mystery.
The construction was slow, so much so that the works continued from 1620 until 1708, the year in which it was definitively completed, the same engraved as an effigy in the main portal of the building.
Architecture of the Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista in San Giovanni Gemini
The architecture of the Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista is very particular, as it recalls the appearance of one fortress. The stylistic traits adopted, which involve the use of stone bricks along its entire facade, will be able to deceive you, making you believe that it could be a castle.
The appearance is still very sober, embellished by particular decorations concentrating mainly in the space used for entrance portal, which has high reliefs along its entire frame. At the top of the portal there is an arched mullioned window. The prospectus presents characteristics in Renaissance style, perfectly in line with the era in which it was built.
The whole of the Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista consists of a traditional one plan with three naves which extend for about 35 meters. There central nave plays an important role, as it is designed to allow you to easily admire all the works of art located in the Mother Church of San Giovanni Gemini.
Among these we mention the presence of the canvas depicting the Holy Family, one of the most beautiful here, to which are added the paintings that illustrate the Virgin, Souls in Purgatory , Crucifixion. There are also several marble works, including several statues that alternate with the various altars.
How to get to the Mother Church of San Giovanni Battista in San Giovanni Gemini
Being in the historic center of San Giovanni Gemini, it will be very easy for you to go to its Mother Church once you arrive in this locality, which is well served by the Highway 189 and by Provincial roads 24 and 26, on which the buses of Azienda Siciliana Trasporti AST also travel.
About 10 km away is the Cammarata railway station, while Palermo's Falcone e Borsellino Airport is about 90 km away, proving to be the best solutions for those traveling by train or plane.
Given the proximity to Agrigento, which is less than 50 km away, you can benefit from numerous other points of arrival before moving to San Giovanni Gemini.
