ABOUT MUSSOMELI
Mussomeli is located on a scenic hill overlooking the gentle hills of the Sicilian hinterland. Behind the town stands the imposing Manfredonian Castle, one of the best-preserved in Sicily.
Castle
Manfredonico
The construction of the first settlement probably dates back to the early 14th century during the Doria rule, but it was Manfredi III Chiaramonte, a descendant of the family of Charlemagne who came to Sicily with the Normans, who is credited with the expansion and fortification of the castle between 1364 and 1367.
It is said that the grumpy Manfredi, upon reaching the top of the cliff, was struck by the massive size of the rock and its features, which made it a perfect place for building a fortress.
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Church
Madonna dei Miracoli
The current Church of the Madonna dei Miracoli, a Baroque building dating back to the mid-18th century and built by the Dominican fathers, houses a Madonna and Child painted on stone that still welcomes the faithful in the sanctuary’s crypt. It was restored in the 18th century by the painter Domenico Provenzani from Palma di Montechiaro. Also by Provenzani are a large fresco on the ceiling, signed and dated 1792, two altarpieces, and, in the sacristy, the portrait of the Dominican
The sanctuary houses several wooden statues, 19th-century works by the master Francesco Biancardi: a Madonna of Miracles on the main altar and a Madonna of the Rosary in the sacristy.
Church
San Ludovico
The tall façade of the Mother Church rises majestically above the roofs of the small houses in the historic center, making the panorama of the town even more evocative.
The church was built in the second half of the 14th century by Manfred III and dedicated to Saint George, protector of the Chiaramonte family. With the rise of the Castellar family (in the 15th century), the church was dedicated to Saint Louis of Toulouse, highly venerated in Valenza, the ruling family's hometown. In the 16th century, under the rule of the Lanza family, construction began, which continued until the early 19th century, resulting in the construction of two side naves, the squared limestone façade, and the bell gable.
The historic center of Mussomeli
Valle dei Templi
Agrigento
