Chiesa di Montevergine: Noto's Baroque Masterpiece
The Chiesa di Montevergine, also known as San Girolamo, is a celebrated Roman Catholic church in Noto, Sicily. Its distinctive concave facade provides a dramatic scenic backdrop at the top of Via Corrado Nicolaci, a key element in the city's masterful Baroque urban planning.
History and Architecture
Following the catastrophic 1693 Sicily earthquake that destroyed the old town, plans for the church's reconstruction were initiated between 1695 and 1697. Construction began in 1695, with the facade and main structure reportedly starting in 1747. The church officially opened for worship in 1762. Most historians attribute the design to architect Vincenzo Sinatra, a student of Rosario Gagliardi, who drew inspiration from Roman Baroque and 17th-century French architecture.
The church was originally built for Benedictine nuns of the Order of Monte Vergine. Its most striking feature is the concave facade, flanked by two bell towers. This design was intentionally theatrical, integrating a religious building for cloistered nuns into the public, scenic fabric of the rebuilt city. The original monastery adjacent to the church was demolished in 1938.
Interior Art and Highlights
The interior features a single nave adorned with Corinthian columns and elegant stucco decorations. The original 18th-century majolica floor remains intact within the nave. The church houses significant artworks, including several altarpieces by the Noto-born artist Costantino Carasi. Among these are 'Lo Sposalizio della Vergine' and a 'Deposizione' which is signed and dated 1712.
Many consider the church's central altar to be the most beautiful in Noto. It is an elaborate creation of polychrome marble, featuring an artistic ciborium shaped like a small temple.
The Church Today
The Chiesa di Montevergine continues to function as an active Roman Catholic church. It also hosts a permanent museum exhibition dedicated to Noto's various Confraternities, displaying their historic uniforms, banners, insignias, and other relics.
For an admission fee, visitors can ascend one of the bell towers for panoramic views across Noto. The church's prominent location makes it a focal point for the annual Infiorata di Noto flower festival and a frequent filming location for the Italian television series 'Il Commissario Montalbano'.
FAQ
Who designed the Chiesa di Montevergine?
Most historians attribute the design of the Chiesa di Montevergine to the architect Vincenzo Sinatra, who was a key figure in Noto's Baroque reconstruction.
Can you go up the bell tower at Chiesa di Montevergine?
Yes, visitors can typically ascend the bell tower for an admission fee to enjoy panoramic views of Noto.
What is inside the Chiesa di Montevergine?
The church's interior features a single nave with Corinthian columns, stucco decorations, an original 18th-century majolica floor, and altarpieces by artist Costantino Carasi. It also houses a museum of Noto's Confraternities.
What is the church's connection to the Infiorata di Noto?
The church stands at the head of Via Corrado Nicolaci, providing a dramatic backdrop for the annual Infiorata di Noto festival, where the street is covered in intricate floral carpets.
