Santa Maria del Rosario

In 1666 Giulo Tomasi di Lampedusa instructed the Jesuit architect Angelo Italia from nearby Licata to build this important church of Santa Maria del Rosario. The two-story front, made even more impressive by the great flight of steps leading up to it and by its twin towers, represents "an important step forward in Sicilian Baroque architecture" (Krånig). The vaulted roof and cupola were not added to the triple-aisled basilica until 1683. The abbey of Santa Maria del Rosario was also built by the Princes of Lampedusa, and several of their family entered it. Founded in the 17th century, it was extended on several occasions. The sides of the abbey are plain and cold in appearance, but the way the corner forms part of the portal is interesting. The latter is at the top of a flight of steps and is dominated by an upper floor with a gable in the shape of a temple front and is flanked by an open hall supporting the wings.