Church of Maria Santissima del Rosario in Montelepre

In the beautiful town of Montelepre there are so many reasons to organize a tourist trip, including the characteristic Church of Maria Santissima del Rosario dating back to the last years of the seventeenth century.

The Church of Maria Santissima del Rosario in Montelepre

Among the most important buildings present on the territory of Montelepre but also nearby, there is the Church of Maria Santissima del Rosario. The structure was built in the last years of the seventeenth century, in particular starting from 1685. The story goes that a lady named Mary of Bellacera Vanni, Marchioness of Regalmici decided to build around the oratory of Santa Rosalia una small church dedicated to Maria Santissima del Rosario.

Subsequently the project was revised, as evidenced by a notarial deed dated 12 December 1688 through which it was decided with the authorization from the archbishop of Monreale to found a sacramental chaplaincy whose right of patronage was left to the marquise herself. Initially the Church of Maria Santissima del Rosario Montelepre it was an extremely contained structure in terms of space, only to be enlarged and restored before 1751 and then in 1862, the year in which it assumed its current shape and size.

Indeed, today it is possible to appreciate its majesty thanks to an important façade with columns surmounted by capitals and various statues. Like many other religious constructions of the time, it was decided to develop it through a Latin cross with the classics three naves with the central one wider while the others smaller. It has been adorned with many artistic and architectural elements such as the marble altar and the chapels dedicated to various characters in addition to the Madonna del Rosario such as San Biagio bishop, Sant'Andrea, San Giuseppe and the Immaculate Conception.

The beauty of the interior of the Mother Church of Montelepre

There are several important elements to consider in the interior area of ​​the Mother Church of Montelepre which will certainly delight history, art and culture enthusiasts. In addition to the presence of the five altars, on the main one in the presbytery in a beautiful chapel finished with precious marbles there is the Most Holy Crucifix which rests on the walnut wood cross then covered with stones. It should be emphasized that some decorative elements were carried out during the twentieth century and specifically in 1933 with the placement of the two canvases painted by Antonio Caponetto from the second half of the nineteenth century and depicting some events told in the Old Testament. The choir that is important with its wooden structure is the work of a famous cabinetmaker and a sculptor who enriched it. Then there are about fifteen paintings on canvas to admire that show all the mysteries of the Rosary like the classic stations of the Via Crucis.

What to see in Montelepre

Monte lebre is a town of about 6.000 inhabitants developed around the slopes of Monte d'Oro at an altitude of just over 600 meters above sea level. A wonderful area for those in search of nature and truly important panoramas, but which also offers different elements of art and history.
Among the most prestigious and iconic structures is the Ventimiglia tower which at the time was important from a strategic and military point of view because it made it possible to highlight the possible presence of enemy armies several kilometers away.
Among the numerous churches present, the Church of Santa Rosalia, church of Sant'Antonio And that of San Giuseppe , Church of the Holy Trinity built and dedicated to the fallen of the first and second world conflicts.

How to get to Montelepre

To reach the town of Montelepre by car, coming from Messina, you have to cover a 250 km long journey for a journey of three hours first crossing the A20 motorway and then the E90. Much closer is the city of Palermo which requires only 27 km which can be covered in 40 minutes via the SP1 provincial road.