The Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Custonaci

The Sanctuary of Custonaci

The locality of Custonaci has always been considered Civitas Mariae, precisely because of his devotion to the Marian figure. Tradition has it that originally to this deeply felt cult there was the gift of a painting depicting just the Madonna with the child in her arms, transported by a French ship and given to the inhabitants of Custonaci after the boat had escaped a shipwreck just off the coast of the town.

Today that painting is still kept inside the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Custonaci: here's what not to miss during a visit.

The history of the sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Custonaci

According to the documentation of the time, the sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Custonaci was built starting from second half of the sixteenth century. Its foundation did not take place ex novo but starting from a small pre-existing chapel dedicated to Mary of the Conception: during the course of the centuries, then, the original chapel has been restored several times and is still visible today inside the sanctuary.

After the construction, which took place in 1536, then other restoration and refurbishment interventions were carried out between 1727 and 1772, up to the years between 1870 and 1900 when an impressive work was organized not for restoration but for complete refurbishment which gave the sanctuary a completely new look. The creation of the imposing-looking staircase dates back to this period, but above all the pavement that gives the sanctuary a truly unique appearance.

Finally, the last important modification was that of 1909 when the parish was also built, still dedicated to the Most Holy Virgin Mary. In 2012, however, there are some small adjustments such as the repositioning of the marble balustrade which dates back to the eighteenth century or the creation of a new altar and another ambo to make the church even more beautiful.

The architecture and any works of art present in the sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Custonaci

One of the first architectural elements that stands out inside the sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Custonaci is certainly the churchyard which is located immediately outside the church and which it is composed of small river pebbles which are combined together to form geometric designs as well as flowers and other embellishments.

To get to the churchyard you have to walk up a beautiful stairway, even quite steep, made of white stone, a stylistic choice which, due to the effect of the sun's rays, creates truly special effects. On the external façade, then, there is a beautiful rose window which is made up of polychrome glass which gives a particular light to the interior.

Inside, however, the church recalls a typically Gothic style and has a Roman cross plan, with three naves, each of which is divided along its length by columns and pointed arches. The high altar, on the other hand, is a structure that dates back to 1627 and is completely in Baroque style, also thanks to the polychrome marbles that were used for its creation. The baptistery is also very beautiful, also made of marble, whose workmanship dates back to 1884 and was positioned in the left aisle.

What you can see inside the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima of Custonaci

The sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Custonaci is full of works of art that have been commissioned by the church itself or donated by the faithful. For example, two Nativity scenes, one of the Virgin and the other of Christ, made around the first half of the Eighteenth century by Domenico La Bruna.
In the right aisle, on the other hand, there is the painting of the ecce Homo which is made on canvas and paper and is a work dating back to the same period by the hand of an anonymous author. The tempera made in 1541 on wood, by an anonymous but certainly belonging author, is also very beautiful in the workshop of Antonello Crescenzio, which depicts a Madonna seated on a throne with the Child in her arms.

This tempera is large in size and was originally used as a door, then after the XNUMXth century restoration it was placed to embellish a part of the church. Finally, a statue representing a Wooden crucifix dating back to the XNUMXth century as well as a statue of the Madonna which has the particularity of being made entirely of papier-mâché. Both works are by an unknown author.

How is it possible to get to Custonaci

Those who are interested in visiting the sanctuary dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Custonaci can easily reach the town by car. In particular, from Palermo it is possible to reach Trapani via the A29 and from there continue first on the SS187 and then on the Sp16 to your destination.
From Trapani, on the other hand, various itineraries are possible such as the Sp20 and the 18 up to the destination.
From Palermo to Trapani it is also possible to reach the locality with the bus service provided by the AST company.
By train, however, the reference station is that of Trapani since Custonaci does not have its own station. From here, it will then be possible to continue with the public bus service to your destination.

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