Church of San Giovanni Battista in Ciminna
The church of San Giovanni Battista is one of the most important buildings of worship in the village.
It was built in the sixteenth century, originally it was only a small oratory but, over the centuries, it was enlarged and remodeled until it assumed the current appearance. The construction of the current temple was in fact born from the ever-growing devotion and miraculous events attributed to the SS. Crucifix which is venerated in it, to which solemn celebrations are dedicated every year.
The valuable façade, in late Baroque style, is divided into two orders by a string course frame. On the first level there are three portals, the central one, which is larger, is refined by twisted columns which support a broken tympanum with a coat of arms with a cross in the centre. The numerous stylistic elements that enrich the facade have led to the attribution of its project to Paolo Amato, architect of the Palermo Senate, a native of Ciminna.
The interior, with a basilica plan with three naves divided by two orders of five style columns Doric-Roman. In the main grandstand there are valuable eighteenth-century decorations. The SS is housed in the presbytery. Crucifix, dating back to the mid-15th century.
Among the works kept in the church we remember: the painted and gilded wooden panel of Saint John the Baptist, coming from the small church of the same name, dating back to the end of the sixteenth century; the canvas depicting the Madonna and Child crowning Saint Rosalia between Saints John the Baptist and Rocco, attributed to the Flemish painter Geronimo Gerardi.
