Sanctuary of Maria Santissima in Valderice

valderice it is a young country, its independent life began in 1955 and today it is part of Free Municipal Consortium of Trapani, in Western Sicily, but the history of Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valderice, one of the most interesting sacred monuments of the village, is much older: the building, in fact, was built between the mid-XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries and is dedicated to the Our Lady of Mercy.

Behind the history of the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valderice, there is actually a miraculous event, which took place in the area, before the construction of the Sanctuary: a sick man who went to a small chapel just outside the village to pray to the Madonna asking for healing, was miraculously healed in the early seventeenth century. This story soon made the rounds of the whole town and the devoted inhabitants of Valderice began to loudly ask for the building of a church, right near the chapel, to thank and honor the Madonna della Misericordia.

Today the Sanctuary is located in the center of an urban park and is visited by devotees and tourists, to gather in prayer, but also to admire the works kept inside.

The architecture of the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valderice and the works it houses

The history of the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valderice is not the only reason to come on pilgrimage to this very pretty church: its architecture, in fact, and the works of art that can be admired there, are also a strong attraction for tourists art lovers.

From the outside, the building appears with a mixture of styles, between ancient and modern: the facade, with simple lines, built in brick, is simply enriched by a tympanum that surmounts the single entrance, while in the upper order open two windows, one above the other. The facade culminates in a belfry with three windows, from which the bells can be seen. On the sides of the church, there are the wings of the building, built in the modern era.

Upon entering, one enters the single rectangular internal space and moves towards the apse, surmounted by a barrel vault.

The most important work kept in the Sanctuary is the canvas by Carrera, an artist from the 1600s, depicting the Virgin asking God for mercy for the faithful, a sacred canvas entitled Our Lady of Mercy; other beautiful frescoes can be admired inside the Sanctuary.

What to do in the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valderice and in the surrounding area

The history of the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valderice invites us to go to the Sanctuary to turn with devotion to the Madonna, asking for help or support in difficult moments, but this sacred place that inspires profound religious reflections can also be the destination of a trip to discovery of the most beautiful places in western Sicily: Valderice, in fact, is a village with many attractions, all to be visited.

After the Church, you can also discover other sacred buildings such as the Church of Christ the King, example of modern religious architecture; among the civil attractions of Valderice you will find the Tonnara of Bonagia, located in the marine hamlet of the municipality and overlooking the homonymous beach, where you can also visit the Fishing Museum; moreover, those who want to find out more about Sicilian traditions can go as far as Excelsior mill, rural building in Art Nouveau style, which since the beginning of the twentieth century has been an important center of local agricultural life for sixty years and today houses a museum where you can admire the ancient tools for working the land.

If these are the main attractions of the town, by visiting the center of Valderice you can also discover all the other churches, palaces and monuments of the village, and then head towards the surroundings: the Castello di Venere is located Erice, just 7 km away, and has Norman origins, while coming down from the fortress you can rest at the Balio Gardens, a suggestive and princely location; those who love walking in nature can reach the Scurati Caves and visit the Mangiapane Cave, famous because it was populated until the middle of the last century, as well as hiding an abandoned village from the 1800s.

Valderice and Trapani, are just 8 km away: reaching the city to discover all its beauties will be a pleasant walk, to admire the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and Palazzo Milo, but also to reach the wonderful beaches of Favignana by sea.

However, a complete tour of western Sicily cannot do without some gastronomic stops: don't forget to try the typical sweets of the area, such as the sfinci of St. Joseph or oil and homemade bread, to accompany the best local dishes, such as fish soup or stuffed focaccia. Both for the oil and for the bread, products of excellence of the territory, the community of Valderice organizes festivals during the year, respectively in the month of November the Olive tree festival and in August the Valderice homemade bread festival.

How to get to Valderice

The Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valderice is located in the northern area of ​​the town.
To get to the centre, you can travel by car or by train: by car, take the A29 Alcamo-Trapani and take the Trapani exit, continuing for 8 km to the centre; on the train, you can book a ticket for Trapani Station and continue by bus or shuttle to Valderice.