Places and paths to explore, blending Art, Faith and Culture
The story of Montevago, like that of many towns in the area, is deeply marked by the devastating earthquake that shook the Belice Valley in 1968. A destructive force that, in a single night, erased neighborhoods, cherished churches, and historic buildings from this small town, originally founded in the mid-17th century. In the aftermath of the earthquake, little remained of the ancient town center, yet the residents did not lose heart. They rolled up their sleeves and built a new town close to the ruins. The choice of proximity was driven by a desire to maintain a physical, symbolic, and spiritual connection both to their loved ones lost in the catastrophe and to the religious sites around which the community’s life had revolved for centuries. Among the immense ruins of the old town, the sturdy columns of the 19th-century Mother Church rose miraculously, standing tall as a symbol of hope and faith in the future for Montevago’s community. Today, thanks to an extensive restoration project, the precious remains of the Mother Church have been fully restored.
This undertaking began with the removal of debris, the reinforcement of the columns, and the resurfacing of the floors, all to allow visitors to safely experience the site. A symbolic yet tangible reclamation of a place where Montevago’s cultural and religious memory is preserved, transforming it into a shared heritage to be passed on to future generations.
Before reaching the current town, visitors are welcomed by the stately colonnaded remains of the Mother Church of Montevago. This monumental church was built at the behest of Prince Giovanni Gravina Moncada between the late 1700s and early 1800s, incorporating what remained of the previous Church of the Most Holy Crucifix or of Purgatory, originally dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul. During the restoration, the church’s ancient “Putridarium” or Purgatory, an evocative crypt where bodies were left to dry before burial, was discovered.
Existing records reveal that the Mother Church once boasted five portals and a neoclassical design with a two-tiered structure flanked by two tall bell towers topped with spires. Inside these towers, spiral staircases led to the upper levels. The right bell tower housed a clock, visible from two sides, powered by a mechanical gear system, which became a beloved fixture, marking the hours of daily life for the community. The interior of the Mother Church followed a Latin cross layout, with three naves and side chapels.
The central nave, wider and taller than the others, was supported by sturdy pillars that held up grand semicircular arches. The apse walls were adorned with frescoes depicting biblical scenes, while the side chapels housed altars embellished with paintings and statues. This was a true jewel of art and faith, and its remaining fragments offer visitors a powerful and moving journey, not only through memory but also through the human, social, and spiritual renewal of the Agrigento region.
The Mother Church of Montevago is part of the Agrigento Ecclesial Cultural Park. Please use the contacts below for all information, to book visits, or to plan your route.
Churc of Montevago : Guided tours of the ruins of Montevago Church the are available by reservation. For more information, please contact:
Tel. +3909221757749
The coordinates below identify the ruins of the Church of Montevago, 92010 Montevago (Agrigento)
Icons on the map indicate landmarks and/or points of interest: click on the icons where present to visualize further information.
GPS
N 37° 42' 21.96''
E 12° 58' 16.32''
Google maps
37.70610, 12.97120
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Places and paths to explore, blending Art, Faith and Culture