Santa Maria delle Giummare

Santa Maria delle Giummare, known locally as Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Giummare, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of history and culture in Sciacca, Italy. This historic Catholic church, located on Via Valverde, is not just a religious site but a symbol of the town’s resilience and architectural evolution over centuries.

The Norman Era

The origins of Santa Maria delle Giummare trace back to the Norman era. The site originally housed a Basilian monastery established on a hillside near a fortified structure. In 1087, the Great Count Roger wrested the area from Muslim invaders, marking the beginning of its storied history. Judith of Hauteville, the daughter of the Great Count and Lady of Sciacca from 1100 to 1136, played a pivotal role in founding numerous churches and monasteries, including Santa Maria delle Giummare. She installed cloistered nuns and monks of the Cluniac order from beyond the Alps in the structure, creating a dual monastery recognized by canon law. This unique setup allowed the Cluniac monks to perform their functions in the nearby church of San Leonardo di Limoges, adhering to the rules of female cloistering.

The Angevin Period

The church's history took a dramatic turn during the Angevin period. In 1282, the Sicilian Vespers uprising against the Angevin rulers led to the expulsion of all French nationals, including the Cluniac monks. The monastery was subsequently converted into a royal priory titled Santa Maria delle Giummare of Sciacca. This era saw significant changes in the church's administration and structure, reflecting the shifting political landscape of the time.

The Aragonese Influence

Under the Aragonese rule, the nearby fortification was transformed into the imposing De Luna d'Aragona Castle, thanks to Guglielmo Peralta, Count of Caltabellotta. The castle eventually came into the hands of the Luna counts through marital alliances. In 1382, the monastery was assigned to the Benedictine nuns, who brought with them the painting of the Madonna of Valverde from Caltabellotta. This period also saw the church being referred to as Santa Maria di Valverde, a name that stuck due to the influx of nuns from the Valverde monastery.

The Spanish Era

The 16th century brought about significant architectural changes to Santa Maria delle Giummare. The church was remodeled in the Gothic-Catalan style starting from 1530. However, the fear of Turkish pirate incursions in 1619 led to the temporary relocation of the nuns to the Badia Grande monastery within the city walls. They returned to Santa Maria delle Giummare in 1622 after the monastery was fortified with high, sturdy walls. The 18th century saw further enhancements with Baroque stuccoes and decorations, particularly those crafted by the Palermo artist Angelo Firriolo from the Serpotta workshop.

The Bourbon Era

The 19th century was a challenging time for Santa Maria delle Giummare. The church became dilapidated, prompting the nuns to move back to the Badia Grande in 1896. In 1914, the eastern part of the monastery was sold to an electric company, which demolished it to build a workshop. The western part was used by the Royal Army as a dormitory and storage for an infantry detachment. Today, the remnants of the ancient monastery are occupied by the orphans of Father Michele Arena, who is credited with saving the church from ruin.

Artistic Heritage

Santa Maria delle Giummare is not just a historical monument but also a repository of artistic treasures. One notable piece is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, an oil painting on canvas created by Mariano Rossi in 1767-1768. This artwork exemplifies the rich artistic heritage that the church has preserved over the centuries.

The Monastery and Its Archives

The Monastery of Santa Maria delle Giummare holds a special place in the ecclesiastical history of Sciacca. In 1401, Bishop Francesco Vitali of Mazara, along with abbots from Palermo and Calatamauro, executed a papal bull from Pope Boniface IX, transferring the nuns from the Valverde monastery to Santa Maria delle Giummare. This move was orchestrated by Abbess Sister Agata Montaliana, who took possession of the monastery and its rights. The monastery's archives, known as the Tabulario, contain a collection of diplomas, documents, and parchments, now housed in the State Archives of Palermo, thanks to a donation by Ignazio Scaturro in 1942.

The Legacy of Cluniac Influence

The priory of Santa Maria delle Giummare is unique as the only Cluniac establishment in southern Italy. Founded during the order's decline, the priory contributed modestly to the coffers of Cluny. Despite the uncertain relations with the Normans of Sicily, the Cluniac abbot, Pons, remained loyal to Pope Innocent II, highlighting the complex interplay of politics and religion during the period.

In conclusion, Santa Maria delle Giummare is more than just a church; it is a living chronicle of Sciacca's rich history. From its Norman roots to its Cluniac connections, and from its Gothic-Catalan architecture to its Baroque embellishments, the church embodies the cultural and historical evolution of the region. A visit to Santa Maria delle Giummare offers a unique glimpse into the past, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the historical treasures of Sciacca.