Among the architectural structures that characterise the town of Sciacca, many are churches, including the Duomo.
Strolling through the historical centre, in Don Giovanni Minzoni Square, it is impossible not to come across the Basilica di Maria Santissima del Soccorso; the Cathedral of Sciacca.
This magnificent cathedral dates back to 1108, to the period of Norman domination.
The façade is adorned with statues by Antonio and Domenico Gagini depicting Saints Mary Magdalene, Peter and Paul.
The interior is divided into three naves. In the nave, you can admire the frescoed vault with the Apocalypse and Stories of Mary Magdalene. It houses the 16th-century statue of the patron saint, Our Lady of Succour, behind the high altar, and a valuable baptismal font from 1491.
Former Church of the Raccomandata
The Chiesa della Raccomandata dates back to the 13th century and, with the adjacent premises, was the seat of monastic orders.
Subject to various modifications over the years, it retains a cylindrical apse in Arab-Norman style and a valuable double ogive portal with decorative motifs dating back to the Norman period.
Abandoned for a long period, today the church is used for cultural events.
Church of the College
Built at the beginning of the 17th century and transformed in the mid-18th century, the Chiesa del Collegio externally recalls Roman churches of the second half of the 16th century.
Inside, there is a single, very large hall, in line with the Jesuit tradition.
Among the works of art are the St John the Baptist on the high altar, attributed to Domenichino, and the 17th-century reliquary busts.
Church of San Domenico
The Church of San Domenico was originally built in the 16th century, only to be rebuilt in the 18th century following a collapse.
The interior has one large nave, flanked by chapels.
In addition to numerous canvases illustrating the Dominicans’ struggle against heresy, there are 16th-century gilded stucco panels with frescoes depicting the miracles of St Dominic.
Church of St Joseph
Founded in the 16th century, the Church of St Joseph was assigned to the carpenters’ guild.
The vault is frescoed with the Holy Family, the Triumph and the Dream of St Joseph. A 19th-century statue of the saint stands on the high altar.
Church of Santa Maria Dell’Itria
Attached to the monastery known as Badia Grande, the Church of Santa Maria Dell’Itria was founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the second half of the 18th century.
Particularly striking are the high altar, the canvases on the side altars and, at the top, the goose-breasted jellies with gold decorations.
The ancient monastery also boasts some famous culinary recipes, handed down to the people of Sacceno and which have become mainstays of the local cuisine: one example is the Ova Murina, a sweet pancake with cocoa, cinnamon and almonds that envelops a filling of milk cream and zuccata.
Church of Sant’Agostino
The Church of Sant’Agostino dates back to the 18th century and is richly decorated in Baroque style.
Inside is a statue by Giacomo Gagini depicting the Madonna del Soccorso and a collection of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century ex-voto tablets, mainly with a seafaring theme.
Sciacca is the ideal Sicilian destination to experience a mix of culture and relaxation, a place full of historical and other points of interest ready to fascinate you.
