Church of Sant’Orsola (or of the Addolorata)

The existence of the Church is dated by local historians to the fourteenth century (1339), but it is likely that the first building dates back to the twelfth century; it underwent restorations in the fifteenth century, between 1430 and 1436, was renewed and enlarged in the seventeenth (1631), and in the eighteenth century the altars were decorated with stuccoes.

Against the scenic backdrop of Monte Cofano, between sky and sea, rises the tall dome, placed at the crossing of the single nave of the church with the transept: the oldest entrance (to the east) is marked by a pointed portal (14th century), with multiple archivolts, decorated with zig-zag elements and preceded by an original staircase.

The church, today used as an auditorium, preserves inside fine examples of Renaissance sculpture attributable to the Lombard Gabriele di Battista, Antonino Gagini and the Gagini workshop. To the most famous of the Gaginis, Antonello, belongs the elegant statue of Saint John the Evangelist (1531), placed in the right transept, on whose base are shown in relief the martyrdom of the Saint and a figure in prayer, perhaps the patron.

Also displayed are the remains of medieval frescoes from the rock church of Santa Maria Maddalena; also worth noting is the stucco decoration of the altars, made in the eighteenth century, in particular the altar of San Vito.