The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena is an authentic gem of Sicilian Baroque architecture, located in the charming village of Buccheri, in the province of Syracuse. This 18th-century church was built in the aftermath of the devastating Val di Noto earthquake that struck the area in 1693, and features a facade created by the skilled Buccheri sculptor Michelangelo di Giacomo.
The artistic wealth of the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena
The artistic heritage preserved inside the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena is of considerable value and importance. The most valuable treasure is certainly the statue of St. Mary Magdalene, created in 1508 by the famous sculptor Antonello Gagini and fortunately survived the earthquake. However, other sacred art artifacts grace the interior spaces of the church, such as the statues of St. Blaise, St. Francis of Paola and “U patri abbunnanzia,” a wooden statue dating back to the 15th century.
In addition to the sculptural works, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene preserves a number of valuable Baroque paintings dating back to the 1700s, evidence of the artistry of the time. But that’s not all: the building also houses an impressive 17th-century organ, consisting of as many as 1631 pipes and still in perfect working order, which helps create a unique atmosphere during religious services and concerts of sacred music.