The Cathedral of Cerami

The Cathedral of Sant'Ambrogio in Cerami

In the small town of Cerami, in the province of Enna, religious worship has always been part of the lives of citizens. The first testimonies are linked to the cults of pagan gods, whose worship was widely practiced in the area.
Over time we then moved on to the veneration of the Saints and this is demonstrated by the construction of numerous churches in their honor.
The town of Cerami has 24 registered churches, of these only 9 are still used today and of all the most important is certainly the Mother Church, also known as the Cathedral of Sant'Ambrogio.

Cathedral of Sant'Ambrogio Cerami: history of the place

The Mother Church of Cerami was built between the end of the 1400s and the beginning of the 1500s, but it is an accepted hypothesis that a place of worship arose in the same spot as early as the XNUMXth century. According to some historical finds it was one construction built during the Norman domination, which was subsequently resumed and enlarged according to the current basilica plan.

Over the centuries the Cathedral of Sant'Ambrogio has been revived and remodeled several times, undergoing important restorations. In 1700 the imposing bell tower was added, in 1755 some works were carried out including the flooring of the basilica, in 1773 came the turn of the main nave with the reconstruction of the roof, and finally between 1850 and the early 1900s the some repairs, such as the restoration of some stucco.
The care and interest in the Cathedral of Sant'Ambrogio in Cerami has always been demonstrated by the citizens who over the centuries have contributed extensively to the maintenance of the Mother Church.

Cathedral of Sant'Ambrogio Cerami: architecture and works of art

The façade of the Cathedral was revived at the beginning of the 1900s and is decorated with a particular smooth ashlar workmanship made of sandstone. A niche was created above the main door of the church and a medium-sized statue representing the Lombard saint to whom the church was consecrated was placed on the upper part of the architrave.

To reinforce the perimeter of the church, buttresses were created typical gothic style. The structure of the basilica is composed of three communicating naves, separated from each other by some arched pillars. The central nave has a barrel vault with a lowered arch which creates a pleasant luminous effect. The floor made in 1700 is composed of polychrome marbles and the internal walls are finely decorated with stucco and panels.

As regards the works of art present, the white marble statue of the Madonna and Child, created by the Palermo sculptor Antonello Gagini, should certainly be mentioned. Another important piece of the collection is represented by the statue dating back to 1700 San Michele Arcangelo, by Quattrocchi di Gangi. It is also possible to admire the beautiful late Baroque style altar introduced in recent times and numerous paintings dating back to 1600, including the representation of the Last Supper.

Cathedral of Sant'Ambrogio Cerami: what to see in the surrounding area

Anyone who goes to Cerami to admire the Cathedral of Sant'Ambrogio cannot miss the Cerami Castle. Dating back to the XNUMXth century, it can be visited for free by climbing the limestone cliff that dominates the town. It dominates the valley and is clearly visible from the neighboring villages that develop along the ridge of the mountain.

The favorable panoramic position allowed the castle to perform its defensive function, but unfortunately due to the construction of a water reservoir nearby, it is only possible to see some portions of this ancient defensive building. On the sides of the cliff, sections of the walls and rather irregularly shaped underground rooms remain.

Another very important religious building for the citizens of Cerami is the Church of San Sebastiano. This building initially stood nearby Porta Umbria, but unfortunately at the beginning of 1600 it was completely destroyed. The Red Prince in office at the time, struck by the despair of the citizens, decided to give up a portion of the garden to start the reconstruction of the Church of San Sebastiano.

The facade is decorated with eclectic bas-reliefs, typical of the Baroque, and the statues of the Santi Cosma e Damiano. The interior, however, is simpler and respects the dictates of the neoclassical movement.

Cathedral of Sant'Ambrio Cerami: how to reach your destination

The town of Cerami can be reached from all over Sicily, thanks to excellent road connections.
From Catania you need to take the motorway towards Palermo; exit at Agira and merge onto the SP Agira-Gagliano C.to-Troina; take the SS120 Troina-Cerami.

From Palermo it is necessary to take the motorway towards Catania; exit at Ponte Cinque Archi; merge onto the SP Villarosa-Nicosia; take the SS120 to Nicosia and Cerami.
From Messina it is more convenient to take the motorway to Palermo; exit at Santo Stefano di Camastra; merge onto the SS117 which passes through Mistretta and leads to Nicosia; take the SS120 which connects Nicosia and Cerami.

© giomodica, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons