Church of Purgatory in Ragusa
The Church of the Holy Souls of Purgatory is located in Ragusa Ibla and dominates the scenic Piazza della Repubblica, better known as Piazza degli Archi due to the arches of an aqueduct that surmounted the district until the earthquake of 1693. It was built in the late Baroque style at the behest of the Mazza family in the second half of the 17th century. It remained unscathed from the earthquake of 1693, therefore it can be considered one of the oldest churches in Ibla. Its current appearance is due to the subsequent construction of the stairway and the gate that surrounds it, a device which, adopted to follow the shape of the hill, helped to streamline the façade and give it more balance. In 1740 the church was enlarged with a basilica with three naves, terminated by two chapels and a large presbytery with apse.
The facade is made up of two orders crowned by a tympanum. The first order is divided into three parts by columns with Corinthian capitals resting on high bases. In the central sector there is the entrance portal, with carvings with plant motifs, in the crown of which there are sculptures depicting the Souls in Purgatory. In the lateral sectors there are two false doors, in which the portal has no entrance to access the church, meaning that the way to heaven is one and only one. On the right side of the church, there is a large arched buttress probably built after the earthquake to support the building. Characteristic is the bell tower which is placed behind the Church, on the left, detached from it, erected directly on the rock, perhaps on the remains of the ancient city walls.
The interior is divided into three naves by ten stone columns with capitals Corinthians. In the cornice of the side aisles there are the characteristic sculptures of skulls with the insignia of kings, popes, cardinals and bishops, symbolizing the transience of wealth and earthly power.
Among the works kept in the church, of considerable value are: the canvases by Francesco Manno, "The souls in purgatory" on the main altar and "The Madonna del Rosario" on an altar on the right; the organ of the church, the oldest in Ragusa, the work of the Serassi artists from Bergamo.
