Rating: 7,8/10 (100 votes) ![]() The Basilica of Santa Maria della Catena was built at the turn of the XV – 16th century on the site where a small chapel used to be. The author of the project is Matteo Carnilivari. The church is located in the vicinity of the port of Cala. According to legend, the basilica was named after a miraculous event that happened in the XIV century – the shackles and chains of prisoners who were unjustly sentenced to death literally began to melt in the sun immediately after they said prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The word 'catena' in Italian it means 'shackles, chains'. The church combines two styles at once – Gothic-Catalan and Renaissance. The interior of the temple is made in the late Gothic style and is decorated with bas-reliefs by Antonello and Vincenzo Gagini and the fresco The Nativity of Christ and the Adoration of the Magi. unknown master. The chapel of St. Brigitte was decorated with a 17th century canvas, the author of which is still unknown. The ceiling is decorated with frescoes by Olivio Sozzi. Also interesting are the frescoes in the second chapel depicting the Virgin Mary and Child. In the corners of the chapel you can see the statues of Saints Ninfa, Margaret, Olivia and Barbara, the creator of which was Gajini. At the beginning of the 17th century, a monastery was added to the temple. The monastery is currently occupied by the State Archives. ![]() We also recommend reading Teatro Massimo in Italy, Sicily resort Topic: Santa Maria della Catena in Italy, Sicily resort. |