Church of the Immaculate Conception in Linguaglossa
The Church of the Immacolata in Linguaglossa and the adjoining convent house works of great artistic value.
The complex was built around the middle of the seventeenth century, in an area located on the edge of the city, known asSciare of San Pietro.
The simple facade contrasts with an interior full of valuable works: the altarpiece depicting the Immaculate Conception from 1659, the work of Friar Umile from Messina; two 16th century paintings portraying Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Clare, both attributed to Bernardino Niger da Biancavilla; some paintings by Vito d'Anna from Palermo; the frescoes in the refectory by an unknown artist; the rich collection of books ranging from the 16th to the 18th century kept in the convent library.
Of notable artistic value is the Wooden Case by Pietro Bencivinni da Polizzi, sculpted between 1708 and 1710. It was donated by the Special Baroness of Nicosia to Father Girolamo, to whom the noblewoman had entrusted with the education of his children. The case, of large proportions, is carved in cypress, orange and walnut wood, is made up of three orders, separated by balustrades and, in the terminal part, is closed by a spire which supports a globe on which the cross stands. It is entirely sculpted with ornamental motifs, figures of animals, angels, shells, hippogriffs, and flowers which decorate the columns of the apses. In the lower part there is the tabernacle in whose door the Supper at Emmaus is represented.
