Santa Maria dell'Alto

Santa Maria dell'Alto, also known in the local language as Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Alto, stands proudly in the charming town of Paternò, Italy. This magnificent church, perched on a hill, is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the rich history and architectural evolution of the region. Its storied past, spanning nearly a millennium, makes it a must-visit for history buffs and casual tourists alike.

The Historical Tapestry of Santa Maria dell'Alto

The origins of Santa Maria dell'Alto date back to 1072, during the Norman period, when it was constructed on the remains of a Byzantine church. Historical sources suggest that even before the Byzantine era, a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Ibla stood on this very site. The church was founded by the Great Count Roger I of Sicily and was initially named Santa Maria del Signore. It soon became the patron of Paternò and was exempted from the jurisdiction of the Catania Church by a diploma granted by Angerio da Sant'Eufemia, the Bishop of Catania, on September 30, 1114.

Under the reign of King Roger II of Sicily, the son of the Great Count, the church was elevated to the status of a basilica and a Royal Church by a diploma dated January 15, 1130. After the death of the Great Count Roger in 1101, the church, along with other properties, was donated to the Order of Santa Maria di Valle Josaphat. This act was ratified by a papal bull issued by Pope Innocent II on May 18, 1140, confirming the priory to the church of Valle di Josaphat.

In the Aragonese period, Queen Eleanor of Anjou granted the church extraterritoriality, providing asylum rights to those who sought it. In 1342, under the care of Archpriest Michele Caropepe, the church underwent various interventions, as evidenced by an inscription preserved above the entrance to the old rectory. The 15th century saw further refurbishments and the decoration of the church's interior.

By the 18th century, the orientation of the church was changed to face the city, reflecting the shift of the town's population to the eastern plain below. Originally, the apses faced the city, and the main façade faced the Simeto Valley. This reorientation, likely completed in 1690, marked a significant transformation, especially after the 1693 earthquake, which necessitated a complete reconstruction in the Baroque style.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

Santa Maria dell'Alto boasts a basilica layout with three naves, divided by two long rows of robust pillars made of exposed lava stone. These pillars support round arches, also made of lava stone, topped by a Tuscan cornice. The original wooden truss roof was replaced in the 18th century by a long masonry vault. Some of the original trusses are still on display in the corridor adjacent to the sacristy.

The church's interior is a blend of various architectural styles, from the stark lava stone of the colonnade to Baroque and Neoclassical elements. The side naves house numerous altars adorned with large canvases, some of which have been stolen over the years. Notable artworks include The Madonna with the Souls in Purgatory, Saint Barbara with Saints Lucia and Agata, The Martyrdom of Saint Vincent, and Saint Lawrence. The right nave concludes with the Chapel of the Crucifix, featuring a 17th-century wooden sculpture surrounded by a grand Baroque reliquary. An ancient Baroque-style pulpit, intricately carved and painted in white and gold, also graces this nave.

The left nave contains paintings of the Madonna del Riparo, Saint Peter in the Chair, and The Guardian Angel. The chapel at the end of this nave is dedicated to the Sacrament and is enriched by an inlaid marble altar topped with an inlaid tabernacle. A statue of Saint Vincent the Martyr, dating back to the 1500s, is also displayed in the church. The colorful ceramic-tiled floors of the side naves add to the church's aesthetic appeal.

The Grand Facade and Sacred Spaces

The grand and imposing façade of Santa Maria dell'Alto, completed in the late 18th century in Neoclassical style, features a central entrance flanked by two square windows and a rectangular window above. This window is further flanked by two bell towers on each side. The rear of the building, facing the cemetery, still bears traces of the original medieval façade.

The main altar, elevated above a lava stone staircase, houses a Byzantine panel of the Black Madonna holding the Child, encased in an intricately carved and gilded wooden frame. The Baroque wooden choir, dating back to around 1650, completes the presbytery's furnishings.

A side door leads to the sacristy, which once served as the chapter hall. This room is surrounded by 18th-century wooden furniture, where the numerous canons of the Matrice, or the priests who were part of the Collegiate Chapter, once gathered.

Santa Maria dell'Alto is not just a church; it is a living chronicle of Paternò's history, reflecting the town's evolution through the centuries. Its walls echo the stories of bygone eras, making it an unmissable destination for anyone visiting this picturesque Sicilian town.