The Mother Church of Savoca, or Santa Maria in Cielo Assunta, is one of the oldest religious buildings in the village. Built in the Norman period, the church has undergone several interventions over the centuries that have modified its appearance. Inside there are various works of art and the rooms where the notables of Savoca were mummified before being taken to the Capuchin Convent.
Church of Santa Maria in Cielo Assunta: history and architecture
The church of Santa Maria in Cielo Assunta is the Mother Church of Savoca and its construction dates back to 1130. The current appearance of the church is a fusion of different architectural styles. The bulk of the building and the masonry techniques used suggest that the church was originally built in the Norman style. Over the following centuries, however, there were several modifications and restorations. In the 1400s, the appearance of the façade was changed at the behest of Pietro Trimarchi. A trace of this can still be seen today above the beautiful Renaissance entrance portal. Here you can see the symbol of the Trimarchi family, represented by three hammers. Another noteworthy element of the façade is the beautiful rose window, also in Renaissance style.
Interesting fact: In Savoca there is a particular legend that links the construction of the Mother Church of Savoca to that of the Church of San Nicolò.
The interior of the mother church of Savoca and its artwork
The interior of the church of Santa Maria in Cielo Assunta in Savoca is divided into three naves by columns with Romanesque capitals. The walls and the basin of the apse are decorated with Renaissance frescoes depicting the Twelve Apostles and the heavenly triumph of Our Lady of the Assumption. Restoration work carried out in 2002 revealed some Byzantine style frescoes depicting various saints. Also noteworthy are the fine marble altars and the wooden pulpit in Baroque style. Also preserved in the church of the Mother of Savoca are a leather-covered wooden throne with the coat of arms of the Archimandrites, a wrought-iron votive lamp from the 14th century and a four-armed fluted wooden candelabra. In the area of the crypt you can still see the putridarium, a room where the notables of Savoca were mummified and then transferred to the crypt of the Capuchin Convent.
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