Basilica of San Pietro in Trapani, Italy

Early Christian Era

Oral tradition suggests that the Church of San Pietro was the first Christian place of worship in Trapani. It is believed to have been built on the site of a pre-existing pagan temple following the passage of the apostle Saint Peter. This marks the beginning of the Christianization process in the area through evangelization. Over the centuries, the original sacred site underwent several conversions and reconstructions, expanding in grandeur to meet the growing demands of worship. The church’s development was influenced by various rulers, sovereigns, and architects who left their mark on its structure throughout history.

Norman Era

In 1076, Count Roger I of Sicily documented a significant reconstruction and expansion of the church. During this period, the church was granted the dignity of an archpriesthood and became a distinguished collegiate church. This marked an important step in the church’s evolution as a central place of worship in the region.

Aragonese – Spanish Era

The 13th century saw another pivotal moment for the church. During the Sicilian Vespers, the people of Trapani showed loyalty, leading Peter III of Aragon to swear an oath in the church to maintain the city’s privileges. In 1535, after his successful campaign in Tunis, Emperor Charles V of Habsburg visited the church and, in a solemn ceremony, offered an elegant standard taken from the Turkish-Ottoman armies as a gift.

Savoyard-Bourbon Era

When Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy ascended to the throne of Sicily, he took action to improve the Church of San Pietro. His intervention came shortly after his coronation in Palermo, during his stay in the Kingdom of Sicily between October 1713 and September 1714. In 1726, the church was solemnly consecrated by Monsignor Giuseppe Barlotta Ferro. Architect Giovanni Biagio Amico oversaw the church’s rebuilding in the 18th century, completing the work in 1775. The church’s design followed a basilica plan with five naves, making it unique in Trapani.

Ferdinand III and later Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies received the blessing of the Blessed Sacrament in this church in 1801. The Bourbon court, based in Palermo, continued to honor the church during subsequent royal visits.

19th Century Developments

From the 17th century to 1844, several petitions were made for the establishment of an episcopal seat in Trapani. Although these requests were blocked by the diocese of Mazara del Vallo and limited financial resources, the long-awaited change came in 1844. King Ferdinand II removed the obstacles, and in 1844, Pope Gregory XVI established the Diocese of Trapani, elevating the Church of San Pietro to a prominent status. The temple of San Lorenzo was later raised to the rank of cathedral, resolving the long-standing dispute with the collegiate church.

Contemporary Era

The church faced significant damage during World War II due to bombing raids that struck Trapani. Additional damage occurred during the Belice earthquake in 1968. The church remained closed for years, reopening in the 1990s for worship. Restoration work was completed in 2003, and in 2014, after further efforts, a large bronze bell, weighing 4,000 kilos, was returned to its place. In 2021, the church underwent additional upgrades, including improved lighting for the dome and restoration of the churchyard’s pavement.