PETRALIA
SOPRANA
Petralia
Soprana, in the Palermo province, stands at 1,147m a.s.l. It enjoys
a splendid scenery comprising the Nebrodi Mountains and the Moutn
Etna in the distance.
The
town origins go back to the Roman domination, when it was a major
wheat producer. During the Arab domination, it was called Batraliah,
its political and strategical influence growing higher and higher,
even under the following Norman rule. During the Middle Ages it
saw the rise of several families namely the Ventimiglias, the Centelles,
the Cardonas, the Moncadas and the Alvarez de Toledo.
Petralia
Soprana boasts several endearing secular buildings, such as the
1800’s Palazzo Municipale and the Town Library containing
various precious incunabula, manuscripts, documents and a monument
dedicated to Frà Umile de Petralia.
The
town’s Chiesa Madre is dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
It is of remote origin, although its present form mainly derives
from 1300’s restoration works, by the Ventimiglias, and 1700’s.
It is flanked by an old bell-tower graced with a two-light window
and the statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, and a 1700’s one
remained incomplete. The interior has a basilical plan with three
naves and is adorned with many works of art among which is a Crucifix
by Frà Umile Pitrono, a marble statue representing the Madonna
dell’Udienza and another representing the Madonna of the Chain.
The
1700’s Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto was built on the foundations
of an ancient castle; it has a Greek-cross plan with for corner
domes and two bell-towers with spires. It contains various pieces
of art such as the 1400’s marble altarpiece representing the
Madonna and Child and an altar-step representing Christ and the
Apostles.
The
Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista was extensively refurbished in
the 18th century. It is ornamented with a 1600’s Crucifix
and a 1400’s marble statue representing the Madonna del Carmelo.
Among
the town’s minor church a mention goes to the Chiesa del Santissimo
Salvatore with an elliptical plan and a fine dome with rectangular
windows, and the 1500’s Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Abate.
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