Erice Cathedral

Erice, Italy

Erice Cathedral (Chiesa Madre or Duomo dell'Assunta) was built in the 14th century by King Frederick of Aragon for defensive purposes, because from the bell tower it was possible to monitor the surrounding area and the plains at the foot of Mount Erice.The original forms were in 14th century Gothic style with decorative mosaics and frescoes.In 1856 the church was restored or rather rebuilt, so the mosaics and frescoes disappeared, while the two rows of columns, the three naves and four side chapels of the original church remained.

As soon as you enter the church, on the right there is a chapel in which lies the statue of Our Lady of the Assumption, to whom the church is dedicated. Other important works include the extremely valuable, sixteenth century font and, at the centre of the apse of the church, a Madonna and Child. The niches and bas-reliefs depict various scenes from the life of Christ.

The city venerates Mary as patron saint, and guardian of the surrounding countryside of Erice, honoured with the title of Our Lady of Custonaci, who is celebrated on the last Wednesday of August. A nineteenth century reproduction of the Madonna is kept in the church, while the original is kept and venerated in the sanctuary of Custonaci.

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Address

Via San Giuseppe 1, Erice, Italy
See all sites in Erice

Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Religious sites in Italy

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

BAЯRON (2 years ago)
Nice tower in Erice. Busy on public holidays.
W Br (3 years ago)
A joy for the eyes. In the interior watch the ceiling with the magnificent lighting/ colours. Beautiful!
Art Map (3 years ago)
Really nice place. So many great views and pictures. You need to pay to go inside and to take a tour or go Up the tower! Worth it if you have time!
Rafael V. Savi (4 years ago)
Very good view of the town
Dan M (4 years ago)
This Duomo and its tower are nothing close to the other Cathedrals, churches or Duomos of Italy and definitely more modest, not at all in their league. It looks more like Taormina Duomo, butit is still one if the most interesting architecture pieces to see in Erice. From outside nothing really special, nothing stunning, but when you get inside you discover a beautiful place, worth your time. But now regarding Erice itself. After having visited so many special "hanged" villages in Tuscany, Sicily, or Provence, like Gordes or Les Beaux de Provence, where the dominant color is on the reddish shades, this village offers a surprising Grey dominant color. It is not as appealing nor beautiful as these other similar places, Which is actually quite surprising and somehow disappointing when you read the enthusiastic other reviews.. Yes, the streets are narrow, beautiful with their stones and old buildings, but if I'd dare compare with food, the texture is there but the flavor is missing. However, the landscapes are really beautiful and even stunning. This is if you are lucky enough to have a good weather: no mist, no clouds, no fog. So I would definitely recommend this place, and hence my 5* rating, but make sure to check the next day weather before driving there.
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