Modica
The Cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica: a wonder of Sicilian Baroque
The Cathedral of San Giorgio, located in the city of Modica in the province of Ragusa, is a majestic church that represents the maximum expression of Sicilian Baroque. It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is often considered one of the symbols of Baroque architecture. In this text, we will talk about the history of the Cathedral, the periods in which it was rebuilt, and the architects who contributed to its construction.
History
Norman period
The church of San Giorgio, which stood where the Cathedral is now located, already existed in the early Middle Ages, but it was destroyed in 845 during the Arab invasions. The church of Santa Croce was later built on the site of the ancient church. The first official document attesting to the existence of the church of San Giorgio dates back to 1150 when Pope Eugene III placed the "Ecclesia S. Giorgi de Mohac" under the protection of the Abbey of Santissima Trinità di Mileto, in Calabria. Probably, the church was built by order of Roger I of Sicily, around 1090.
Spanish period
In 1630, the church was elevated to the rank of collegiate church with a bull by Pope Urban VIII. In 1643, Governor Renda, on behalf of Count Giovanni Alfonso Enriquez de Cabrera and Vittoria Colonna de Cabrera, the Spanish governors of Sicily, gave orders for the decoration and enlargement of the church. The project of the 17th-century façade was entrusted to the architect Marcello da Palermo, of the Reform Friars Minor of Modica, under the supervision of the master builder of the church, Carlo D'Amico.
The façade
The indications derived from careful studies attribute the design of the façade to Rosario Gagliardi, one of the most valid architects of the European 18th century. Gagliardi and Làbisi, with the façade-tower, were inspired in the setting of the façade (of the first two orders) by the façade of the Hofkirche (Dresden), completed in 1753 to a design by the Italian Gaetano Chiaveri. The façade of the church was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 and touched up in the 18th century. Every detail of the façade, from the entablature to the bell tower, was made with mastery and precision.
The reconstruction of the Cathedral
The Cathedral of San Giorgio is the final result of the reconstruction that took place after the earthquakes that hit Modica in 1542, 1613, and 1693. The damage caused by the earthquake of 1693 was the most serious. The seismic shocks continued during the 18th century and in 1848. High-quality materials were used during the reconstruction and a team of architects, sculptors, and artists was employed to create the structure and the internal and external decorations.
The works of art
Inside the Cathedral of San Giorgio, you can admire numerous works of art, including paintings, statues, and frescoes. The marble high altar was made by Ignazio Marabitti in 1760 and is enriched by sculptures by Agatino Daidone. The statue of Saint George on horseback, placed above the altar, is a masterpiece by Giuseppe La Lomia, while the altarpiece depicting the Martyrdom of Saint George was painted by Salvatore Lo Forte in 1886.
The Chapel of Saint Joseph, the Chapel of the Sacrament, and the choir of the church are also enriched with precious works of art. The church also boasts one of the largest and most valuable organs in Sicily, the work of the famous organ builder Vincenzo Platania.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica is a splendid testimony to Baroque art. The mastery of the architects, sculptors, and artists who worked there has produced one of the most extraordinary and suggestive churches in our country. The beauty of the Cathedral of San Giorgio is an invaluable cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved and enhanced.
