Basilica of San Giovanni Battista in Vittoria
The Basilica of San Giovanni Battista in Vittoria is the main building of worship in the city.
A first building existed as early as 1612, but was totally destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693. The city of Vittoria, with the exception of the church, it remained almost unscathed from this natural disaster, and this event aroused great devotion in the faithful, and was interpreted as the will of the patron saint to protect the city and the homes of its inhabitants by sacrificing his church. Following the earthquake, thanks also to large donations from private individuals, the reconstruction of the church began.
The Basilica of San Giovanni Battista refers to the late medieval style, particularly widespread in the seventeenth-century period. The church is raised by a semi-elliptical flight of steps as wide as the entire facade. The façade is divided into three superimposed orders, and is characterized by the presence of pilasters and Corinthian capitals. At the base there are three portals, of which the central one, the main one, is the largest and has an arch shape.
The interior is characterized by a Latin cross plan, at the intersection of which the slightly oval dome rises , and is divided into three naves by ten columns.
Inside the church there are various valuable works: the canvas depicting the "Baptism of Christ", dating back to around 1700; the canvas depicting the "Transit of Mary" dating back to 1874; the beautiful organ of 1748 made in Baroque style by Donato Del Piano.
