San Nicola, Religious complex in Gangi, Italy.
San Nicola is a parish church in Gangi's old town featuring three naves arranged with five bays in a Latin cross layout. A central dome sits above the main structure, and below ground lies a crypt with individual burial niches.
The church was built in the 16th century as a religious center for Gangi. Its bell tower came later, after an earlier medieval fortified tower was incorporated into the new building.
The church served as the spiritual center of Gangi for centuries, bringing the community together for worship and marking important life events.
The church sits on Piazza del Popolo in the center of Gangi and is easy to reach on foot. Visitors should know that access to the underground crypt may be limited and it is best to ask ahead about visiting the below-ground spaces.
Underground lie the preserved remains of clergy members placed in individual niches over a span of more than 150 years, each marked with a death mask. This unusual burial practice stands out as a rare way the community chose to honor and keep its religious leaders.
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