Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Montalbano Elicona
The Cathedral of Montalbano Elicona, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and San Nicolò Vescovo, stands in the Piazza del Duomo.
Its construction dates back to the IX-X century. The first documentation dates back to the first decade of the fourteenth century. In 1646 the building was rebuilt and enlarged by placing the two aisles alongside the central nave. On that occasion, the orientation was reversed allowing the creation of a spectacular elevation placed at the top of a staircase that amplifies its grandeur.
The severe-looking façade is flanked by a bell tower, built between 1665-1673, which softens its forms with its battlements.
The interior has a Latin cross basilica layout with a large central nave, with a trussed roof, separated from the side by sturdy pillars on which large round arches open. Along the side aisles there are five minor altars on the left, four altars and a side entrance on the right. The walls enriched with friezes, rosettes and stuccos. The central nave is enriched with stucco medallions depicting biblical characters.
