Cathedral of the Holy Savior, Mazara del Vallo, Italy

Right Aisle: Chapels and Artistic Features

The Right Aisle of the Minor Basilica of the Santissimo Salvatore is home to several significant chapels, each adorned with beautiful artwork and architectural features. The First Span houses the Chapel of Santa Rosalia, which includes an aedicule with a painting of the saint, surmounted by a tympanum. This chapel is dedicated to Santa Rosalia, a revered patron saint of Palermo. In the Second Span, the Chapel of the Pietà features another aedicule with a painting and tympanum, depicting the poignant image of the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ after his crucifixion. This chapel is a reflection of both sorrow and devotion.

The Third Span leads to the Chapter House and contains the Portal of Sant’Egidio, a remarkable marble work by Bartolomeo Berrettaro, created in 1525. This intricately detailed portal is divided into eight compartments, each portraying scenes from the life of Saint Egidio, as well as the Crucifixion and the Virgin and Child, surrounded by angels and saints. Additionally, the vestibule houses two Roman sarcophagi, one illustrating the Amazonomachy (the battle between the Greeks and the Amazons) and the other depicting the Hunt of Meleager, both offering a glimpse into the church’s rich historical past.

The Fourth Bay is home to the Chapel of the Madonna of Trapani, where an aedicule with a painting is also surmounted by a tympanum. This chapel honors the Madonna of Trapani, an iconic image of the Virgin Mary held in great reverence in the region. Finally, the Fifth Bay features the Chapel of St. Peter and Paul, dedicated to these two apostles who played pivotal roles in the spread of Christianity. This chapel honors their legacy and provides a space for reflection on their significant contributions to the Christian faith.

Chapel Details in the Left Aisle

The Left Aisle of the Minor Basilica of the Santissimo Salvatore showcases a series of chapels, each with its own distinctive artwork and historical significance. The First Span features the Chapel of San Vito, dedicated to the Christian martyr Saint Vito. This chapel includes an aedicule with a painting, surmounted by a tympanum, and is notable for being the burial site of Bishop Emanuele Catarinicchia, connecting the space to the diocese’s history. The Second Span holds the Chapel of Sant’Agata, dedicated to the patron saint of Catania. Like the previous chapel, it contains an aedicule with a painting and tympanum, honoring the legacy of Saint Agatha. Moving to the Third Span, the Left Passage offers lateral access to Piazza della Repubblica, with Roman sarcophagi displayed along the walls, illustrating ancient mythological scenes and enhancing the historical depth of the basilica. The Fourth Bay features the Chapel of Saint Tryphon the Martyr, another chapel dedicated to a Christian martyr, with an aedicule and painting, surmounted by a tympanum. Finally, the Fifth Span houses the Chapel of the Souls in Purgatory, a poignant space depicting a painting of the Souls in Purgatory, with Christ the Savior and the Virgin Mary above. The altar is graced by a statue of the Sorrowful Virgin, and the painting includes Saint Lawrence the Martyr with a gridiron, linking the chapel’s imagery to themes of suffering, purification, and redemption. Each chapel in the left aisle provides a deeply spiritual and artistic experience.

Transept Features and Chapels

The Transept Features of the Minor Basilica of the Santissimo Salvatore are rich with historical and artistic significance, showcasing a blend of Baroque and earlier styles. The Right Apse houses the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, which was remodeled in 1610 by Bishop Marco La Cava and further improved by Bishop Juan Lozano. This Baroque-style chapel replaced the original apse and is home to the tombs of notable figures such as Ugone Papé di Valdina, Marco La Cava, and Juan Lozano. The altar is dominated by a large tabernacle, surmounted by a circular colonnaded temple that houses a Crucifix, with the altar area framed by a golden sunburst and winged cherubs, emphasizing the divine presence. The Right Arm contains the Chapel of Maria Santissima del Soccorso, which is adorned with a 13th-century fresco of Christ Pantocrator, a significant early Christian artwork. This chapel also contains 16th-century sarcophagi with reliefs of saints, along with the Madonna del Soccorso, a marble sculpture by Domenico Gagini. Originally part of the Montaperto Chiaramonte Chapel, it also holds marble artifacts from the Gagini family’s work. The Left Apse is dedicated to the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, featuring a statue of the Virgin Mary and serving as the burial site of Bishop Costantino Trapani, further enhancing its historical importance. Finally, the Left Arm holds the Chapel of the Ciborium, which showcases a ciborium designed by Antonello Gagini, integrated into a Baroque altar. The transept also features a statue of Saint Vincenzo, created by Antonino Gagini in 1537, along with reliefs depicting his life and martyrdom, making this space a poignant reminder of the basilica’s deep religious and artistic heritage.

Main Altar and Presbytery

The Main Altar is an extraordinary masterpiece, featuring The Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, a group of six marble statues depicting Jesus, Moses, Elijah, Saint Peter, Saint James, and Saint John. Commissioned by Antonello Gagini in 1532 and completed by his son Antonino in 1537, the statues were later modified in the late 16th century by Bishop Antonio Lombardo, who created a fictitious mountain to simulate the topography of Mount Tabor. The altar is surrounded by allegorical representations, including figures of the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist, while the apse is dominated by the figure of God the Father, with angels and prophets framing the scene.

Notable Works of Art

The Notable Works of Art in the Minor Basilica of the Santissimo Salvatore highlight the exceptional craftsmanship and religious significance of the site. One of the key pieces is the San Salvatore (1802), a wooden statue by Girolamo Bagnasco, showcasing the artist’s skill in capturing sacred figures in wood. The Madonna of Trapani (18th century), an oil painting by Giuseppe Felici, adds to the basilica’s artistic richness, portraying the Virgin Mary in a striking, devotional style. Another significant work is the San Vito, San Modesto, and Santa Crescenza (18th century), an oil on canvas by Tommaso Maria Sciacca, which captures the essence of these saints in a vivid and emotive portrayal. The Madonna del Soccorso Statue, crafted by Domenico Gagini, is housed in the Montaperto Chiaramonte Chapel and was commissioned by Bishop Giovanni Montaperto Chiaramonte. This exquisite marble statue reflects the high artistic standards of the period. Perhaps one of the most important works is the marble sarcophagus of Bishop Giovanni Montaperto Chiaramonte, also created by Domenico Gagini. This masterpiece of Sicilian Renaissance sculpture features intricate depictions of virtues, saints, and other religious figures, standing as a testament to the region’s artistic heritage and the basilica’s deep cultural and spiritual history.