Santa Maria della Valle, Catholic church in Messina, Italy.
Santa Maria della Valle is a church located about 3 miles outside Messina, positioned at the foot of the San Rizzo hills within the Peloritani mountains pass. The structure has three naves with cross vaults supported by multi-style pillars decorated with carved capitals.
The church was founded during the Byzantine period and received the status of royal chapel in 1168 under King William II of Sicily, who granted it special privileges. This elevation made it an important religious site in the region.
The interior features three naves with cross vaults and pillars whose capitals display plant motifs from several artistic traditions. This mix of decorative elements shows how different influences shaped the building over time.
The building underwent extensive restoration between 1951 and 1955 by the Superintendence of Fine Arts to preserve its structure. Being located in the Peloritani hills, visitors should plan for a mountain drive and expect conditions to vary by season.
The exterior displays Sicilian Gothic architecture with defensive features, including crenellated walls and an ogival portal with decorated windows. This defensive design was unusual for a religious building and reflects the turbulent history of the region.
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