Church of San Sebastiano in Ferla
Davide Mauro - CC4.0
It was built in 1481 and completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. It was then rebuilt at the behest of the Confraternity of San Sebastiano, following the canons of the Hyblean Baroque, and completed in 1741.
The facade, designed by the architect and sculptor Michelangelo Di Giacomo, is tripartite due to the presence of pilasters with Corinthian capitals. The central partition is divided into three orders.
The central portal stands out from the first order, framed by four Corinthian columns placed on high plinths. The portal is surmounted by a sculptural decoration depicting the Martyrdom of San Sebastiano: the niche containing the statue of San Sebastiano is flanked by allegorical statues depicting Faith and Hope, by two Moors in a submissive attitude, and by two Centurions. The sculptural group is surmounted by a shield depicting an eagle with outstretched wings with palm and arrows, symbol of martyrdom.
The second order, connected to the first by elegant volutes and pinnacles, has a rose window framed by fluted pillars, from an arched tympanum with an inscription, and a lower coat of arms crowned with a heart in the center.
The third order contains the belfry and concludes with a large open tympanum of the broken type.
The interior of the church, rich in stucco , is divided into three naves and has eight chapels on each side. The right aisle is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, the central one to San Sebastiano, the left one to the Souls in Purgatory.
Among the works kept inside the church, of considerable value are: the simulacrum of the Patron Saint Sebastiano in wood orange of 1530; the simulacrum of the Immaculate Conception, a wooden statue from 1721; a majestic Risen Christ called "U Gessummaria"; the canvas of the main altar by Giuseppe Crestadoro.
