Church of Commenda in Polizzi Generosa
The Church of the Commenda di Polizzi Generosa, which dominates the valley below, albeit today in a state of ruin, transmits to the visitor the splendor of that medieval Sicily rich in history, intrigues, conspiracies and art. Today it is still possible to distinguish the sober architectural layout and the almost intact bell tower.
The church was the last seat of the Gerosolomitano Order of the Knights of Malta which, like that of the Teutonic Knights, he first took care of the protection of pilgrims in the Holy Land and then of assistance to the sick. The Commenda was in fact the richest in the priory of Messina, on which it depended. The Gerosolomitani came to Polizzi in 1177 and had their first headquarters in Casal San Peri. When around 1450 San Peri was emptying, they moved to an isolated position and built their house, adjacent to the pre-existing Church of Sant'Agostino, which they restored and enriched with furnishings, monstrances, silver chalices.
