The Chiesa di San Giacomo, also known by its original name Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo, stands as a historical and architectural gem in the heart of Milazzo, Italy. Nestled along the scenic Marina Garibaldi with a secondary entrance on Via Giacomo Medici, this church is a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. Managed under the archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela, it falls within the vicariate of Milazzo, under the patronage of Saint Francis of Paola, and is part of the parish of Santo Stefano Protomartire.
The origins of Chiesa di San Giacomo are shrouded in the mists of time, with historical records suggesting its existence during the Byzantine era. However, the church we see today has undergone numerous transformations, each layer of history adding to its rich tapestry. The church was initially demolished by the Saracens, only to be rebuilt later by King Alfonso V of Aragon between 1432 and 1434. This reconstruction was a gesture of gratitude following the liberation of Milazzo from Angevin forces.
During the Norman, Swabian, and Aragonese periods, the church witnessed significant historical events. In 1326, amidst the turmoil of the Sicilian Vespers against King Robert of Naples, Frederick III of Sicily laid siege to the city, establishing defensive lines around the original site of the church. The strategic importance of this location was further underscored when, in 1337, the city expanded onto the isthmus, connected to the mainland by drawbridges.
The church's role as the mother church of Milazzo continued until 1616, when the new Duomo was inaugurated within the city's fortified walls. Elevated to the status of a parish in 1607, Chiesa di San Giacomo underwent its first restoration in 1621. The church also played a significant role during the Garibaldian era, with its altar in the presbytery being a notable relic from the old Duomo of Santo Stefano.
The facade of Chiesa di San Giacomo is a blend of simplicity and elegance. Framed by two stone cornerstones and pilasters, the facade reaches up to a tympanum adorned with an inscribed clock and stucco decorations. The central portal, dating back to 1712, is flanked by plinths and columns supporting an architrave with a marble inscription. Above the architrave, a richly decorated niche houses a 15th-century statuette of Saint James, adding a touch of historical charm to the entrance. The right side portal, crafted by Giovan Battista Vaccarini, adds to the architectural allure of the church.
Stepping inside Chiesa di San Giacomo, visitors are greeted by a single nave adorned with 18th-century paintings, exquisite marble and stucco work, and a wooden choir and pulpit. The vaulted ceiling, characterized by ten windows and an equal number of vaults, adds to the grandeur of the interior. The counter-facade features a magnificent painted wooden choir, while the right wall houses a marble repository for holy oil and a funerary monument dedicated to the Zirilli Proto family, dating back to 1862.
The nave's right side boasts several noteworthy features, including an antique table with a papier-mâché statue of the Virgin Mary. The first bay houses the Altar of the Annunciation, adorned with a painting by Scipio Manni depicting the Annunciation. The second bay features the Altar of the Crucifixion, with another painting by Manni portraying the Crucifixion of Jesus alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Mary Magdalene, and Saint John the Evangelist. The wooden pulpit, embellished with gilded reliefs, adds a touch of opulence to the setting.
On the left side of the nave, visitors will find the Altar of the Souls in Purgatory, featuring a painting of the Mass of Saint Gregory. The second bay is home to the Altar of Saint James, with a polychrome papier-mâché statue of Saint James the Greater. The third bay houses an organ, while the sacristy can be accessed through a nearby doorway.
The presbytery of Chiesa di San Giacomo is a visual delight, featuring a marble inlay altar topped with a large crucifix. The walls are adorned with choir stalls at the bottom and intricately framed paintings at the top, all bordered by stucco cornices. The central altar, positioned under a triumphal arch, is crowned with a canopy supported by six putti and an eagle motif.
Beneath the presbytery lies a 17th-century crypt, a solemn space where numerous Garibaldian fighters from the battle of July 20, 1860, and the Milazzese patriot Matteo Nardi were laid to rest. Their remains were later transferred to the grand ossuary of the old cemetery of San Giovanni in 1864.
Chiesa di San Giacomo is home to several significant works of art, including paintings of Saint Anthony Abbot, the Death of Saint Andrew Avellino, the Probatica Pool from 1785, and a canvas depicting Saint Nicholas from 1804. These artworks offer a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the church and its enduring significance in the cultural landscape of Milazzo.
In conclusion, Chiesa di San Giacomo is not just a place of worship; it is a living testament to the historical, architectural, and artistic legacy of Milazzo. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, inviting visitors to step back in time and experience the rich tapestry of history that has shaped this remarkable church. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to Chiesa di San Giacomo promises a journey of discovery and inspiration.
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