Chiesa Maria dell'Udienza - Sambuca di Sicilia

The church, which stands on the site of a church dedicated to Sant'Antonio Abate , was built in 1530 .

The beautiful Shrine of Maria Santissima dell'Udienza has a very striking and elegant architectural style, which with its majesty is located on a higher point than the city center. In fact, you arrive at the Shrine of Maria Santissima dell'Udienza through a recess located at a higher level than that of the road below. The monumental wooden entrance portal features engravings and various decorations, which extend over the entire building, which has two orders. The facade is characterized by four pairs of columns with capitals , two in the lower part and two on the upper floor.

The interior of the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima dell'Udienza consists of 3 naves and 5 bays, separated by round arches and scenographic pillars surmounted by round arches.

Among the various works of art present in the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima dell'Udienza, the Simulacrum of the Madonna dell'Udienza stands out, a marble sculpture attributed to Antonello Gagini and dating from the early sixteenth century. Originally the statue of the Madonna dell'Udienza was owned by private individuals, but it was found in 1575 by a farmer from Sambuca, who brought it through the city in the hope of curing it of the plague that struck Sambuca di Sicilia during that period. The event was miraculous, so much so that the plague ended in a very short time and the Madonna dell'Udienza was venerated as the city's patron saint , with this episode commemorated every year with her patron saint's feast.

Willem Vandenameele