{"id":227,"date":"2026-07-22T15:43:46","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T15:43:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/?p=227"},"modified":"2026-08-02T22:04:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T22:04:57","slug":"la-basilica-di-maria-santissima-del-soccorso-di-sciacca-storia-e-devozione","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/la-basilica-di-maria-santissima-del-soccorso-di-sciacca-storia-e-devozione\/","title":{"rendered":"La Basilica di Maria Santissima del Soccorso di Sciacca: Storia e devozione."},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you ask anyone from Sciacca what this Basilica represents, their answer will most likely be the Madonna del Soccorso, the patron saint and protector of the city.\n\nLegend tells that sailors found her statue floating at sea. Years later, when a terrible plague struck Sciacca, the faithful carried it through the town\u2019s streets and alleys, praying for her intercession. The sky was clear when, suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the feet of the statue at a precise spot in the town. A great cloud of smoke rose from the ground and swept over the people of Sciacca, who, from that moment on, were freed from the plague. It was February 2nd, 1626.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, just as it was centuries ago, on February 2nd and August 15th, the echoes of sailors and devotees still resonate within these walls. Barefoot worshippers carry the heavy simulacrum of the Madonna on their shoulders, uniting the entire city in a single act of faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-228\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-1140x1520.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-1320x1760.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccorso_Sciacca-processione-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Basilica of Sciacca stands in Piazza Don Minzoni, and its history begins with the Norman Countess Juliette (Giulietta), daughter of Count Roger. Tradition tells that its construction was an act of devotion inspired by her troubled love story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Step through its Baroque fa\u00e7ade and breathe in the scent of incense and time. Silence welcomes you as light filters through the windows onto the three naves, changing its hues throughout the day. Here, you can admire precious marble decorations and paintings that seem almost alive\u2014look up at the ceiling! \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-1140x1520.jpg 1140w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-1320x1760.jpg 1320w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Madonna-del-Soccordo-Sciacca-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet it is when you turn your gaze toward the altar that the Basilica reveals its deepest emotion. There, carefully preserved, stands the marble statue of the Madonna del Soccorso. Beyond the beauty of this masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance lies something even more profound: the unbreakable bond between the people of Sciacca and their beloved protector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-16x12.jpeg 16w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-1140x855.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Basilica-Sciacca-1320x990.jpeg 1320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Did you Know?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The white Carrara marble sculpture weighs approximately 700 kilograms and was created by the masters Giuliano Mancino and Bartolomeo Berrettaro, artists of Carrara origin who worked extensively in Sicily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Port of Sciacca, on the inner eastern pier, you will find a replica of the statue. Before setting sail for their fishing trips, local fishermen turn their eyes to the Virgin Mary. It is a timeless promise that, whatever storm may come, she will guide them safely home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Miss This Month\u2019s Highlight Event<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"526\" height=\"935\" src=\"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/samballetta-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/samballetta-1.jpg 526w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/samballetta-1-169x300.jpg 169w, https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/samballetta-1-7x12.jpg 7w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 526px) 100vw, 526px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From July 30th to August 2nd at 9:00 PM, the Lower Courtyard of the Town Hall of Sciacca will host the debut of <strong>\u201cSamballetta\u201d<\/strong>the highly anticipated theatrical production written and directed by Salvatore Monte. Produced by <em>Sipario 4<\/em>Produced by Sipario 4, the event celebrates a special anniversary: the 400th anniversary of the Madonna del Soccorso freeing the city from the plague.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>More than 100 people<\/strong> ncluding actors, musicians, and technicians\u2014are involved in this extraordinary production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An outstanding cast will feature acclaimed actresses <strong>Patrizia Pellegrino<\/strong> e <strong>Corinne Cl\u00e9ry<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Se chiedi a un saccense cosa rappresenti questa Basilica, la sua risposta sar\u00e0 probabilmente legata alla Madonna del Soccorso: patrona della citt\u00e0. Si narra che i marinai trovarono la statua in mare e che in seguito a una terribile peste che colp\u00ec la citt\u00e0, fu portata in giro per i vicoli e le strade del paese pregando il suo aiuto. Il cielo era sereno, ma un fulmine colp\u00ec i piedi della statua in un preciso punto del paese, cos\u00ec una grossa fumata si lev\u00f2 dal basso investendo tutti i cittadini di Sciacca che da quel momento furono liberi dalla peste. Era il 2 febbraio 1626. Oggi, come secoli fa, nei giorni del 2 febbraio e 15 agosto, l\u2019eco dei marinai e dei fedeli risuona tra queste mura, che a piedi nudi sollevano in spalla il pesante simulacro unendo la citt\u00e0 in un\u2019unica fede. La Basilica di Sciacca si trova in Piazza Don Minzoni e la sua storia comincia grazie alla contessa normanna Giulietta, figlia del conte Ruggero. La sua costruzione si racconta fu un atto di devozione legato alle sue vicende d\u2019amore molto tormentate. Varcando la soglia della sua facciata barocca, l\u2019aria profuma di incenso e tempo. Il silenzio ti accoglie e la luce filtra dalle finestre sulle tre navate. Una luce che cambia sfumatura a seconda delle ore del giorno. Qui puoi ammirare marmi pregiati e dipinti che sembrano muoversi: alzate gli occhi al soffitto! \ud83d\ude09 Ma \u00e8 guardando verso l\u2019altare che si avverte una forte sensazione emotiva: l\u00ec, custodita gelosamente, si trova la statua marmorea della Madonna del Soccorso. Oltre alla bellezza di questo capolavoro del Rinascimento italiano, c\u2019\u00e8 un\u2019emozione pi\u00f9 intima: il legame profondo che lega questo paese e la sua protettrice. Curiosit\u00e0 La scultura di marmo bianco di Carrara, pesa sette quintali e fu realizzata dai maestri Giuliano Mancino e Bartolomeo Berretaro, di origini carraresi ma attivi in Sicilia. Al porto di Sciacca, sul molo interno di levante, troverai una \u201ccopia\u201d della statua. Ogni marinaio, prima di partire per le battute di pesca, rivolge lo sguardo alla Vergine. E\u2019 la promessa che, qualunque tempesta arrivi, li riporter\u00e0 a casa sani e salvi. L&#8217;EVENTO DEL MESE DA NON PERDERE Dal 30 luglio al 2 agosto alle ore 21:00 l\u2019Atrio Inferiore del Comune di Sciacca ospiter\u00e0 il debutto di \u201cSamballetta\u201d, l&#8217;attesa opera teatrale scritta e diretta da Salvatore Monte. Prodotto da Sipario 4, l&#8217;evento celebra un anniversario speciale: i 400 anni da quando la Madonna del Soccorso, ha liberato la citt\u00e0 dalla peste<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":232,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[14,15,16,17,18,19,9],"class_list":["post-227","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-basilica-maria-santissima-del-soccorso-di-sciacca","tag-basilica-sciacca","tag-duomo-sciacca","tag-madonna-del-soccorso","tag-madonna-del-soccorso-sciacca","tag-samballetta","tag-sciacca"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/227","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=227"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/227\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":287,"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/227\/revisions\/287"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/girandosciacca.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}