RELIGIOUS ITINERARY

RELIGIOUS ITINERARY: THE WAY OF FAITH
AMONG THE CATHEDRAL OF AVOLA AND THE CHURCH OF POZZALLO

The church has always been the center of aggregation of the Christian peoples, especially in the smaller countries, where the communities used to gather together for the festivities addressed to the patron saint of the place. Knowing the major churches of the towns also means understanding the historical - cultural evolution of their inhabitants. The Mother Church of Avola is dedicated to San Sebastiano. It was built immediately after the disastrous earthquake of 1693. High over 50 meters for 30 meters of depth, it has three entrances corresponding to the three naves, of which the central one is the largest. The side aisles are formed by four side arches and as many altars. The Patron Saint of Avola is instead the virgin and martyr Santa Venera, for whom every year on the last Sunday of July a solemn celebration is celebrated. And eight days later, the simulacrum of the Saint, just as it wants an ancient religious tradition - seafaring, is carried on board a boat for a procession in the sea, followed by many sailors, fishermen and faithful. The procession touches the beaches and landings of Avola, in a blaze of joy and mystical and religious solemnity. The most important place of worship in the city of Noto is the Basilica of San Nicolò di Mira. Built also after the earthquake of 1693, it is made up entirely of blocks of soft limestone, of a splendid pink color, and is located on top of a majestic four-flight staircase. In 1996, a disastrous collapse razed the central nave, the right one and part of the dome. After 11 years of work, the cathedral was returned to the city in all its magnificent splendor. The interior, with a Latin cross, houses a precious 16th century silver ark, containing the remains of the Patron Saint of the city and the Diocese of Noto: Corrado Gonfalonieri. Every year in August this silver urn is carried in procession from the Cathedral of Noto to the Hermitage of the Patron, located in the small village of San Corrado Fuori Le Mura (a few kilometers northwest of Noto). To see, after two weeks of veneration, the evocative procession at night for the return of the remains in the Cathedral of San Nicolò. Consecrated to San Bartolomeo, the mother church of Ispica dominates the upper part of the Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia. It was built starting in 1750 by Don Antonio Li Favi, and its facade is characterized by late baroque and classical elements. The major religious festivals in Ispica are linked to the two most sacred moments of Catholic and Christian life: Easter and Christmas. During the Holy Week the whole city moves in processions and "Via Crucis" also towards Cava Ispica, inside which there is the small church of Santa Maria la Cava, dug into the rock. Evocative and unique also the nativity scene that every year at Christmas is organized in the spectacular Parco Forza della Cava. On the main square of the town of Pachino is the Mother Church, consecrated to the SS. Crucifix. It was built by the Marquises of Starrabba, owners of the nearby fiefdom Scibini and founders of the city. Work on the construction of the church began in 1970. It has a façade with two superimposed orders and two small bell towers. Magnificent bronze door made in 1968 by the sculptor Biasi. The celebrations in honor of the patroness, Our Lady of the Assumption, are held every year on August 15th, between solemn celebrations, processions and torchlight processions that also involve the neighboring maritime villages such as Marzamemi. The most recent of all the churches in the Terre dei due Mari is the one dedicated to San Gaetano, in the small town of Portopalo di Capo Passero. Built starting in 1927, it has a simple and not too adorned appearance, suitable for a seaside village. Made entirely of stone and inaugurated in 1931, it suffered a devastating fire in 2012 that destroyed the entire roof of the apse (made of cane and plaster), part of the nave roof and the sacristy, as well as significantly damage the chapel of the Eucharist.The restoration work was completed in November 2014. On the top of the bell tower, a venerable swordfish has become the symbol of the town. The celebrations of the Patron Saint recur on August 7, with a procession through the streets of the town. In the following days regattas are organized between local sailors, competitions and popular games. Consecrated to the Madonna del Rosario is the mother church of Pozzallo, built starting in 1876 by the will of the Reverend Vincenzo Ferreri and completed in 1891. The church (Latin cross) is made up of three naves, separated by a series of squared columns. The statue of the Madonna, by Valente Assenza, is located in the apse, on the sides of which, two side chapels contain the Santissimo and a statue of the Crucifix. The celebrations in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary occur on October 7: the liturgical program with processions and solemn celebrations is also accompanied by recreational and popular programs that involve all citizens. On the main square of the town of Pachino is the Mother Church, consecrated to the Holy Crucifix. It was built by the Marquises of Starrabba, owners of the nearby fiefdom Scibini and founders of the city. Work on the construction of the church began in 1970. It has a façade with two superimposed orders and two small bell towers. Magni co the bronze door built in 1968 by the sculptor Biasi. The celebrations in honor of the patroness, Our Lady of the Assumption, are held every year on the 15th of August, between solemn celebrations, processions and accolades that also involve the small maritime villages like Marzamemi. The most recent of all the churches in the Terre dei due Mari is the one dedicated to San Gaetano, in the small town of Portopalo di Capo Passero. Edi cata starting from 1927, has a simple appearance and not too adorned, suitable for a seaside village. Made entirely of stone and inaugurated in 1931, it suffered a devastating fire in 2012 that destroyed the entire roof of the apse (made of cane and plaster), part of the nave roof and the sacristy, as well as significantly damage the chapel of the Eucharist. The restoration work was completed in November 2014. On the top of the bell tower, a venerable swordfish has become the symbol of the town. The celebrations of the Patron Saint recur on August 7, with a procession through the streets of the town. In the following days regattas are organized between local sailors, competitions and popular games.