Church of Saint Olivia, Catholic church in Alcamo, Italy
The Church of Saint Olivia is a Catholic church in Alcamo with a single nave and a longitudinal plan, rebuilt in 1724 to a design by Giovanni Biagio Amico. Its main portal on piazza Ciullo and side portal on Corso 6 Aprile both hold gilded bronze doors by Vincenzo Settipani, depicting Jesus entering the Cenacle and Jesus entering Jerusalem. The bell tower at the corner has no pinnacle.
Founded in 1533 with a nave and two aisles in Gothic-Catalan style, the church was rebuilt in 1724 to a single-nave longitudinal plan by the Trapani architect Giovanni Biagio Amico. In 1687 the Night Congregation of the Seven Pains, made up of artists, was established there. A fire in the night of 7–8 August 1987 destroyed the ceiling, rebuilt some years later by the Sicilian cultural heritage superintendency.
The 1511 marble statue of Saint Olivia by Antonello Gagini was commissioned by the brethren of Saint Olivia, the confraternity that also gave the church its name. The church later hosted the Night Congregation of the Seven Pains, founded in 1687 by artists, and in 1949 Catholic Action began meeting here thanks to the noblewoman Donna Caterina Mistretta.
The church remains active and open for visitors during regular hours under Roman Catholic management. Check ahead to see if any religious services are scheduled, as this may affect access or the visiting experience.
The 1987 fire destroyed the ceiling, which was rebuilt years later by the Sovrintendenza ai Beni Culturali of Sicily. In 1990 restorations followed on the sculptures, paintings, two wooden organs, gilded stucco frames and wooden furnishings. The two golden bronze portals by Vincenzo Settipani were added for the Jubilee of 2000.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,414 contributors worldwide.