Santa Maria della Vittoria, Minor basilica in San Vito dei Normanni, Italy
Santa Maria della Vittoria is a minor basilica in San Vito dei Normanni with a Latin cross layout, three naves, and an ochre-colored facade visible from across town. The interior features Gothic pointed arches in the transept, while the ceiling is decorated with frescoes depicting biblical scenes, and the main altar from 1777 incorporates polychrome marble.
The church opened for worship in 1595, replacing the earlier main church of the city and gaining recognition as a minor basilica when Pope John Paul II granted it that status in 1998.
This church has long served as the spiritual heart of the community where residents gather for important moments in their lives. The decorated interior reflects how much the local people valued religious art and craftsmanship over the centuries.
The basilica can be visited throughout the day, though visitors should be aware that mass times may affect when they can enter the interior. Finding it is straightforward since the ochre-colored facade stands out across the town and is visible from many directions.
Two bronze entrance doors were created by sculptor Ernesto Lamagna in the 1990s, representing a bridge between traditional and contemporary artistic styles. Behind these portals stands a collection of nine altarpieces and 26 paintings that together form an impressive artistic ensemble.
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