Santa Maria della Neve

Santa Maria della Neve is a baroque parish church in Mazzarino featuring three naves arranged in Latin cross layout with semicircular chapels along the lateral aisles. The interior structure guides visitors toward the altar with its balanced proportions and classical baroque design.

Construction began in 1694 under Prince Carlo Maria Carafa Branciforte, who funded the project through his will until the mid-1800s. The extended timeline reflects how religious building projects in the region proceeded gradually over generations.

The name honors Mary and a legendary snowfall tied to her veneration across Christian tradition. The wooden choir in the presbytery displays intricate inlays that reflect religious stories familiar to worshippers of that era.

The church is accessed from Corso Vittorio Emanuele via a broad staircase facing the Branciforte Palace. Visitors should be prepared for the steps and allow time to explore the interior at a comfortable pace.

The church contains two pipe organs from different eras: one from the 18th century that has been restored and another built by local masters in the early 1900s. These instruments represent distinct craftsmanship traditions within the building's musical heritage.

Location: Mazzarino

Architects: Angelo Italia

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Address: Piazza Angelo Monterosso, Mazzarino

GPS coordinates: 37.30542,14.21751

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:22