Sanctuary of Maria SS. in Valverde
The Sanctuary of Maria Santissima in Valverde is one of the oldest in Sicily.
Its origins are linked to the legend of the brigand Dionisio. The construction of the sanctuary took place in 1038 and although the Arab conquerors, while tolerating the Christian religion, did not allow the construction of new churches to avoid a greater spread of Christian worship, after paying a sum of money they allowed its construction. The 1693 Val Di Noto earthquake destroyed the sanctuary but left the pillar where the image of the Madonna was intact. In the 18th century the sanctuary was rebuilt by making some changes compared to the previous structure with the addition of the portico and important changes in the facade.
The facade has a characteristic colonnade which leads to the main portal in white stone surmounted by the coat of arms of the princes Riggio.
Inside there is the pillar with the beautiful image of the Madonna di Valverde, located in a decentralized position with respect to the main altar.
Of particular value are the altars of the Madonna del Rosario, the Madonna del Carmine, of the Holy Family, of the Most Holy Crucifix, of Sant'Agostino, of S. Nicola da Tolentino and the sepulchral monuments of Luigi Riggio Branciforte and his wife Caterina Gravina.
