Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Gallodoro
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A Gallodoro, in Sicily in the Metropolitan City of Messina, Main square of the country is that of Santa Maria Assunta, where the Mother Church in Gallodoro: the Parish of Santa Maria Assunta.
This sacred building of Catholic worship was built in the XNUMXth century and then restructured in the second half of the XNUMXth century, so that it is now larger than the original church. The predominant style of the building is Neoclassical.
Before becoming the Mother Church in Gallodoro, Santa Maria Assunta was one Jesuit church closed to the public, while today, visiting it, you can admire the works of art it still houses.
In Gallodoro festivals and religious celebrations are held which are mainly celebrated in the Mother Church; the most important artistic and cultural activities of the town also take place in the homonymous square.
Gallodoro, which has its roots in the times when the ancient Greeks arrived on the island, is today a small town populated by about 340 inhabitants, but despite its small size, there are several tourist and artistic attractions that can be found there. The country, for centuries subjected to the political and economic control of noble families or neighboring municipalities, finally achieved its independence in 1952.
The architecture of the mother church in Gallodoro and the works it houses
The Mother Church in Gallodoro consists of a central body flanked by the Bell tower.
The entrance, located on the main facade, consists of the door framed by two columns surmounted by the tympanum: the architectural lines are linear and simple, like the whole facade in a classical style; the pink and white tones that dominate the facade of the church help to give this building an orderly and reassuring appearance. The entrance is flanked by a niche, in which it is represented San Teodoro in bas-relief.
Il bell tower, in stone, which flanks the central body and stands out over the square, retains the darker tones of the original medieval architecture.
Inside the church is divided into three naves, separated by rectangular columns in marble, a material that dominates decorations and sacred furnishings. The most interesting artwork which is kept in the Mother Church in Gallodoro is undoubtedly the Antonellian Gonfalon, banner of the Confraternity of the Holy Crucifix, created by the artists of school of Antonello da Messina.
The gonfalon, dating back to the sixteenth century, is in hand-carved and gilded wood, and bears paintings of the Crucifixion of Christ and the Madonna and Child. On the other hand, the altarpiece representing the Coronation of the Virgin dates back to the following century.
What to do in the mother church of Gallodoro and its surroundings
The Mother Church in Gallodoro is open to faithful tourists who want to gather in prayer even on vacation, so everyone can go to the parish to hear mass. After the function, of course, you can stop and admire Antonelli's masterpiece, the magnificent Gonfalone del Santissimo Crocifisso: an important piece of the art history of our country, it is also the greatest treasure of Gallodoro and all lovers of the history of art will not want to miss this fascinating work.
For those staying a few days in Gallodoro, here are some suggestions on the main places to visit. There are three most important squares in the town, Square of Santa Maria Assunta where the Mother Church is located, is the heart of the town; to instead admire nature and fully enjoy relaxation in the village, you can reach Piazza San Nicola, from which you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the sea; finally, history buffs will be able to rest on the benches in Piazza Autonomia, where by also visiting the Monument to the Mill of the Olive Mill, they will be able to discover a piece of Sicilian history.
Those traveling with children cannot miss a few hours outdoors in the beautiful Villa A. Paguni, dedicated to the first Mayor of Gallodoro: here, among the various sacred and civil sculptures, there is also a playground where little ones can have fun with the children of the village.
Those who arrive in Sicily already know that they will find all the delicacies of Sicilian cuisine to welcome them: among the most typical dishes of Messina there are eggplant caponata, ricotta meatballs and Messina-style stockfish, but desserts cannot be forgotten: cannoli, almond paste and mustazzoli, to be tasted directly on the spot, in the restaurants of Gallodoro.
Before leaving the country, you can visit Catania e Messina, less than 60 km from Gallodoro: in the coastal path that runs alongside the Ionian Sea, you will also find beautiful beaches, like that of Taormina. The natural beauties of the surroundings also include the Etna park.
How to get to the mother church of Gallodoro
Gallodoro, in the Metropolitan City of Messina, can be reached on the train from Taormina Station 6,5 km from the town (the route is served by public buses) or in the car, from the A18 Messina-Catania, taking the exit for Taormina and continuing on the SS 114 up to Gallodoro.
