San Martino delle Scale
San Martino delle Scale: a charming village in Sicily
Hi everyone! Today I want to talk to you about a wonderful village in the metropolitan city of Palermo in Sicily: San Martino delle Scale. This location has 440 inhabitants and is located near a monumental complex that includes a Benedictine monastery and an abbey basilica dedicated to San Martino.
The history and art of San Martino delle Scale
The monastery of San Martino delle Scale was founded in 1183 by Count Matteo Sclafani and the bishop of Palermo, Walter Offamilio, on top of Mount Caputo. The building was destroyed by the Saracens in 1223 and rebuilt in the 13th century in Gothic style. Over the centuries, numerous expansion and restoration interventions have been carried out. The monastery is home to frescoes and works of art of great value.
The abbey basilica, on the other hand, was built in 1607 thanks to the initiative of Bishop Tommaso Carafa. The church has an imposing Baroque facade with three naves and houses numerous works of art, including the Madonna with Child by Gagini.
The nature of San Martino delle Scale
The village of San Martino delle Scale is surrounded by a mountainous landscape rich in woods. Thanks to the particular coolness that it offers during the summer, this location is very popular among the people of Palermo who want to spend some time in nature.
Houses and buildings are not concentrated in a single urban agglomeration, but are scattered among dense forests. Unfortunately, in the warmer seasons, fires often occur that put vegetation and the surrounding environment at risk.
What to do in San Martino delle Scale
If you love nature and trekking, San Martino delle Scale is the perfect destination for you. You can visit the Benedictine monastery and the abbey basilica, or take a walk in the surrounding woods.
Also, in San Martino delle Scale, there is the Academy of Fine Arts and a restoration school. You can therefore attend art exhibitions or participate in conservation and restoration courses.
How to reach San Martino delle Scale
The village is located about 20 kilometers from the city of Palermo. You can reach it by car following the state road 186, or by public transport taking one of the bus lines that depart from the city.
Bibliography and External Links
If you want to deepen your knowledge of San Martino delle Scale, I suggest you consult the following texts: "The Monastery of San Martino delle Scale" by Alfonso Scirocco and "The Abbey Church of S. Martino delle Scale" by Salvatore Cusa.
Also, for more information on the village and its artistic and cultural heritage, you can check the following links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Martino_delle_Scale
https://www.comune.monreale.pa.it/en/hamlets/san-martino-delle-scale
https://www.visitsicily.info/en/monreale/san-martino-delle-scale-and-the-basilica-of-san-martino/
I hope you enjoyed this virtual visit to San Martino delle Scale and that one day you can visit this enchanting village in Sicily!
