Chiesa di San Martino - Erice

In 1682, the current church of San Martino was built on the ruins of the previous one, dating from 1339, in Gothic style like most of Erice's churches.

In 1698 the current church was consecrated, while in 1702 it was decorated with stucco and the bell tower was built. At the end of the 18th century it was embellished with paintings by Manno and stuccowork by Pietro dell'Orto. The carved wooden choir by Bernardo Castelli and the wooden statue of Saint Martin on horseback by G. Curatolo are of fine craftsmanship . In 1858 further changes were made by the introduction of stuccowork and frescoes in the vaults and walls with the addition of canvases, chandeliers and furniture, while the altars were decorated with Libeccio marble.

With a basilica plan with three naves, the church overlooks the square of the same name. The only decorative element of the simple facade on which the small bell tower stands is the monumental entrance with a baroque portal, full of window frames and strong overhangs, which can create clear contrasts of light and dark.

Adjacent to the church's sacristy is the Hall of the Congrega del Purgatorio , an intimate eighteenth-century oratory with a distinct rococo flavor, decorated with stuccowork and frescoes by Antonio Manno; The interior design with altar machine and seats against the walls, in painted wood, is interesting. The small adjacent sixteenth-century monastery is also interesting. The rooms adjacent to the church now house an important collection of wooden sculptures, including the Gianmatteo Curatolo group of San Martino on horseback by Erice (1556).

Willem Vandenameele