Church of San Calogero
LOCATION Piazzetta San Calogero
DATING XII-XX century.
DESCRIPTION: Probably, it dates back to the period between the 1938th and 1540th centuries, the facade was renovated in 1540. Two single-lancet windows with pointed arches remain of the original architecture. From a document dated 1543 on the occasion of the pastoral visit of bishop Pietro d'Aragona and Tagliavia (1574-1765) in which we read: “Ecclesia di Santo Caloyaro fora the company cita di Girgenti”. In 1863, the church was enlarged. A document, dated 600, informs us that around the church and the hermitage, there was a small garden that belonged to the "venerable church of S. Calogero" and bordered on the caves, perhaps inhabited by some hermit. In 1866, the Calogerian complex was entrusted to the Franciscan friars who had to give up the convent of San Vito for having been transformed into a prison. The Friars transformed the hermitage into a convent and enriched the church by placing a marble statue of the Madonna, from the Gagini school, a wooden crucifix from the XNUMXth century, attributed to Pintorno, and statues of S. Diego, San Pasquale and S. Vito. In XNUMX, following the subversive laws, the Franciscans had to leave the complex even if they were left with the custody of the temple.
CURIOSITY During the celebrations of San Calogero (first week of July) it is tradition to throw flavored loaves by the faithful, and baskets of fresh bread are also distributed free of charge. All this is linked to the legend of San Calogero. It is said, in fact, that the monk Calogero, who came to Sicily to evangelize and spread the Christian faith, during a long period of pestilence went around asking for bread to give to the poor. The people, holed up in the house for fear of the plague, would throw bread from the windows as the monk passed by to prevent Calogero from getting too close to their homes. Well included in the list of listed historical and artistic heritage
Property bound pursuant to Law 364/1909 (Notification dated 27.06.29)
Card insertion: Ignatius Caloggero
Photo: Photo: Di Alletto - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14923727
Information contributions: Ignazio Caloggero, Web
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