Old Matrix in Castelbuono

La Old Matrix in Castelbuono it is a religious building that hides a truly remarkable historical and cultural significance. Was dedicated to Holy Mary of the Assumption and its construction dates back to the middle of the fourteenth century.
Here's what you need to know about this church that starts from far away and keeps its charm intact to this day.

The history of the Matrice Vecchia in Castelbuono

La Mother Church which is located at Castelbuono in Sicily it was dedicated to Maria Assunta and its construction dates back to very remote times, namely to 1362. It was built during the dominion of Francesco II Ventimiglia, with various elements that seem to suggest the realization of an earlier building. In particular, a crenellation is clearly visible which could be associated with the style of the Ghibellines, to which the Ventimiglia family also belonged.

The sacral monument initially had three naves, but a fourth was later added in order to better contain all the faithful who flocked to the various functions within the structure. The style of the entrance is clearly from the Gothic-Catalan style, while the bell tower seems to best represent the transitional period between Romanesque and Gothic.

Architecture and works of art of the Matrice Vecchia in Castelbuono

The Matrice Vecchia displays a majestic Polyptych on the high altar, attributed to Antonio De Saliba, the nephew of Antonello da Messina. The work depicts the Virgin Mary with the Eternal Father holding up the world above. The painting shows a Patriarch with glasses, which makes it particular and rare in the sacral context. Then, under the feet of the faithful there is a crypt containing in turn a marble ciborium, made by Giorgio da Milano.

Then, a niche includes the statue of Santa Maria degli Angeli, placed in the structure around 1520 and made by Antonello Gagini. A second contains the Madonna del Carmelo, dating back to the early sixteenth century by Bartolomeo Berrettaro. Furthermore, it is also possible to observe the remains of a fresco on the façade wall, below the portico. There are all the elements to discover a surprising church.

What to do near the Matrice Vecchia in Castelbuono

Those who intend to discover the wonders located near the Old Matrix can take a tour of the center of Castelbuono. The town has about 8 inhabitants and is located in the metropolitan city of Palermo. Anyone who wants can take a look at New matrix local, that is Church of the Nativity of Mary. Not bad either Fountain of Venus Cyprea, located in the main street of the old land and capable of promising entertainment.

Ample space should also be reserved for the local museums, among which the Civic Museum and that Naturalistico entitled to Francesco Minà Palumbo. Those who love music cannot leave the hypothesis of knowing theYpsigrock Festival, cosím come il Castelbuono Jazz Festival.
Just move a few kilometers to visit Cefalu, San Mauro Castelverde e Petralia Sottana.

How to reach Castelbuono

To get to the Matrice Vecchia in Castelbuono by car, it is sufficient to take the A20 motorway and exit at the Castelbuono - Pollina junction, less than 9 kilometers from the centre, or even the A19 at Scillato, which is 18 kilometers away.

By train, the Cefalù station is located 12-13 kilometers from the Palermo town.