Church of Santa Maria dell'Itria in Ragusa
The Chiesa dell’Itria di Ragusa is famous for its colorful dome and ancient origins. The church is linked to the presence in Ragusa of the Gerosolimitano Order of San Giovanni, also known as "Knights of Malta" who managed it with a hospital dependent on the commandery of Modica. In fact, inside and outside the church, there is an eight-pointed cross, a symbol of the powerful knightly order.
It was built in 1391 at the behest of the Chiaramonte counts, it was severely damaged by the 1693 earthquake. with two orders, divided by a large cornice: the central portal is decorated with motifs of intertwined leaves, with a large window above it. The bell tower is dominated by a small octagonal dome surrounded by a circular balustrade. The dome is embellished with polychrome ceramics from Caltagirone.
The interior has three naves divided by ten white stone columns with Corinthian capitals with almond leaves.
Among the works preserved in the church, of notable value are: the eighteenth-century painting of the Madonna Odigitria, or Itria, of particular importance because under the feet of the Child Jesus there is a view of the port of Valletta; a precious painting of "San Giovanni Battista and San Giuliano", attributed to Mattia Preti; the seventeenth-century stoup.
Inside the sacristy there is a medieval octagonal pillar of the ancient fourteenth-century church.
