Nicosia Cathedral

History of the Cathedral of San Nicolò in Nicosia

It can undoubtedly be stated that the Cathedral of Nicosia and its bell tower – a National Monument since 1940 – is the most important work of this town in the province of Enna, located in the centre.
Since its origin, the Cathedral was to become the Mother Church of Nicosia even if, the date of its construction appears uncertain.

It is hypothesized that it dates back to the XNUMXth century after the Norman conquest of Sicily and it is mentioned in a document from the beginning of the XNUMXth century where it is indicated as the chapel of San Nicolò del PianoHowever, it was certainly rebuilt and enlarged in 1340. In the XNUMXth century it underwent profound alterations and was erected as a collegiate church by Leo X.
At the turn of the end of the XVIII - the beginning of the XIX century, it was still modified and promoted to Cathedral in 1817 by Pius VII and, at the end of the sixties of the last century, was awarded the title of minor basilica.

Architecture and any works of art present

Of its first construction dating back to the thirteenth century, the Cathedral in Nicosia retains only the main facade which thanks to the wonderful main portal in Gothic-Norman style and the rose window, highlights the Norman architectural style that in this town of Nyssenus he saw the Romanesque style of the rose window, the Arabic style of the decorations and the Norman arch blend in perfect harmony.
The main portal of the Cathedral in Nicosia it is richly decorated with motifs in pure Romanesque style where acanthus leaves dominate among pearl ornaments, diamond points and twisted cords; the admirable statues representing the Cardinal virtues which rest on leonine hooves added in baroque era.

As mentioned, next to the main portal there is a three-story bell tower about forty meters high. The first floor is characterized by obvious Gothic-style arches and presumably its origin was that of being an Arab guard post and a tower used for civil purposes which was later joined to the adjacent religious building.
On the next floor – which can be dated between the end of the fourteenth century and the mid-fifteenth – elegant windows, coats of arms, small columns, rosettes and arabesques can be seen which embellish the building which was formerly used as a place of meetings and shelters for the types of weights and measures from city.

The top floor, the third, was built in the second half of the XNUMXth century and is characterized by windows with rounded arches. It features a clock face and bells.
The tower runs out with one crenellated terrace dominated at the center of a cusp covered with colored majolica.
The Cathedral in Nicosia has a basilica shape with three naves in the Renaissance style. There are many artistic works kept inside such as a valuable baptismal font by Gagini, two wooden statues depicting St. Bartholomew and St. John the Baptist by Li Volsi, and a St. Nicholas by Quattrocchi.

Very interesting, at the end of the nave, are the marble inlays that decorate the Chapel of the SS. Sacrament and the canvas of the Resurrection of Velasco located in the chancel.
Also to be admired is the seventeenth-century wooden crucifix that has always been an object of worship and devotion, the marble statue of the Our Lady of Victory, some interesting paintings of the Randazzo and the Group of the Redeemer by Gagini.

What is possible to do in the surroundings or inside the place

In addition to discovering the picturesque village of Nicosia, the surrounding area is a treasure trove of attractions ranging from history to art and nature.
In Enna, for example, there is the Castle of Lombardy, located on a plateau 900 meters high and considered the largest fortress in Sicily. Although many of its structures are now in ruins, the panoramic position and historical importance of the castle, built in the XNUMXth century by the German Emperor Frederick II, make it an unmissable visit.

Then there is the Mistretta Castle, reachable via a well-marked hiking trail. The castle was originally built by the Byzantines and then renovated and expanded by the Arabs and Normans. Although today it is largely a ruin, once you reach the highest point, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mistretta and its surroundings.

Not far from there, a Leonforte, is located the Granfonte, a large well built in Sicilian Baroque style that once served as a livestock pool. Looking through the openings in the building offers a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

Finally, there is Calascibetta, a typical mountain village with many stairs and narrow streets, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city of Enna.

How can you get to your destination

By Car - A19 motorway
From Catania, Agira exit for Agira - Nicosia;
From Palermo, take the Ponte Cinque Archi exit for Villarosa - Nicosia.
For those arriving from Santo Stefano di Camastra, take the SS 117 North-South to Mistretta - Nicosia.

© Ludvig14, CC BY-SA 4.0 - daily, CC BY 3.0 - David Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons