Sanctuary of the Madonna della Milicia of Altavilla Milicia
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Il Sanctuary of the Madonna della Milicia of Altavilla Milicia offers visitors a truly unique scenario to be appreciated. The religious site is located at the entrance to the relative locality, located in province of Palermo. There is nothing left to do but discover the characteristic features of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Milicia and live a one-of-a-kind experience.
The history of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Milicia of Altavilla Milicia
The Madonna della Milicia Sanctuary was born following the devotion of the Palermitans to Santa Rosalia. According to the Holy Scriptures, the latter would have saved the city from the plague. At that time, towards the beginning of the seventeenth century, the inhabitants of Altavilla Milicia were grappling with the appearance of a corsair ship, but managed to protect themselves thanks to the offer of the Sacred Image.
The pirates miraculously stopped and gave the ship to the miliciot citizens. It was from here that a first chapel was created, up until the creation of the current Sanctuary. The corsairs were left with a handful of flies and the citizens of much of Sicily have undertaken a strong devotion towards the Our Lady of Miliciacarried forward to the present day.
1654 was the year of the beginning of the relative cult, accompanied by a deeply felt demonstration. However, the tradition was only conducted for a few years and gradually abandoned. After several decades, the devotion made a comeback, with a strong participation from the people of Altavilla Milicia.
Architecture and works of art inside the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Milicia
The Madonna della Milicia Sanctuary is located at the entrance to the town of Altavilla Milicia, on a breathtaking viewpoint. The inside of the religious building has an a shape Latin cross, with a construction carried out on the basis of nineteenth-century dictates. There is no shortage of statues of considerable value inside the church. A clear example is represented by the sculpture dedicated to San Francesco di Paola, obtained by Bagnasco.
The latter also created four canvases located inside the Sanctuary of Altavilla Milicia, namely the Baptism of Jesus, the Resurrection of Lazarus, the Sacrifice of Abraham and the Last Supper. The structure also includes a majestic crucifix, capable of acquiring an important economic and historical value.
What to do in Altavilla Milicia and surroundings
The town of Altavilla Milicia offers numerous opportunities to its visitors. The belvedere is undoubtedly one of the salient features and overlooks a breathtaking view. Don't miss even three o'clock watchtowers located along the coast of Palermo, namely the mandre, Column e Militia. From a culinary point of view, the Typical Italian cake with custard cream filling from the characteristic crescent shape is certainly not to be missed. Near Altavilla Milicia, it is also possible to visit Trabia and Casteldaccia, without obviously forgetting the capital Palermo.
How to get to the Madonna della Milicia Sanctuary
To reach the town of Altavilla Milicia by car, you have to exit at the appropriate junction of the A19 motorway and travel about 800 meters to arrive at the city centre. By train, Bagheria station is less than 7 kilometers from Altavilla.
Finally, Palermo Airport is about 42 kilometers from the Palermo town.
