The Churches - Erice Style

July 11, 2017

It was a beautiful day in Erice and I was taken in by the beauty of each church we visited.  Each had their own style.

San Giovanni

San Giovanni Battista's Church was erected in the first half of the 15th century and later enlarged in 1631.

There is only one nave in the form of a Latin Cross. In the apse - vault - is a statue to St John the Baptist from1539 and attributed to Antonino Gagini.  John points to a Lamb - Jesus - on a closed book, showing only He can open the way for the world.

There are several Medieval frescos from St Mary Magdalene's church also on exhibit.

The church also houses some of the most important marble sculptures present in Erice.

The flooring

Light coming in the window with tree branches framing it

Sant'Antonio Abate's Church

The only thing left from the original exterior is the little domed bell tower from the end of the 12th centurty.

In 1541, a second nave was added to the church.  The naves are separated by Tuscan columns.

Recently added sculpted marble elements that were part of the ancient decor of the church.

The patron saint, Sant' Antonio Abate, carved wood work by Pietro Orland in 1690.

  My favorite piece, the simple altar with candlesticks and the scriptures.

The Real Duomo ~ Royal Cathedral

 Tradition states the church was first built in the 4th century but the current building is from 1314 and was reconstructed in the 1850s.

 

 King Federick's Tower from the 13th century with its 108 steps to the bell tower.

The center nave, these church has 3 naves.

Mary with baby Jesus framed by John the Baptist, Paul and Julian. Above are panels showing the Passion and Resurrection of Christ from 1513.

The stuccoed lace vaulted ceiling from the 1860s. 

The stuccoed columns

Engraved floor

Marble holy water font from the 15th century.

There are many more churches in Erice to see. We centered on these three.

Out and about in Erice