At the end of corso Vittorio Emanuele, main road in the new part of the historical urban centre, in the place where the previous church, of 1635, was located, is the Sanctuary of Saints Cosma and Damiano, built with elegant Renaissance shapes by Antonio Curri during the 18th century.
The complex, which, due to the symmetry of its architectonic Renaissance structure reminds of the style of the nearby trulli, dates back to 1609. A rural little church was located in its place, dedicated to Madonna delle Grazie (Virgin Mary of Grace). However only in 1635 the painting of Madonna di Loreto (Vergin Mary of Loreto) with Saints Cosma and Damiano on her sides was positioned on the high altar. Then, from 1636 the solemn religious celebration started to be held.
With the institution of “comune regio”, in 1797, the font and the curate were added. After careful researches in the capital city, in 1803 the remains of the arm of Saint Cosmo and the skull of Saint Damiano were obtained. In 1814 it became a parish church and in 1820 two bells were donated.
A Brief History:
The first church dedicated to Santi Medici was built in 1609, when the first declarations of devotion to the two saints were found in Alberobello. The counts Acquaviva of Conversano, local feudal lords, imported the cult by bringing a painting representing the Virgin of Loreto and two Saints Medici. The church was enlarged several times, until 1725. The main enlargement, however, took place in 1795 when the cross was built on the four pillars, as well as the altars with the choir. Laterally the bell tower was built, but not completed, as well as a sacristy, named “Moro” after the first black sacristan who lived in it.
Not to be missed:
Very prestigious is the representation of the Rollo of Jesus crucified with this Mother, Saint John, Saints Peter and Paul, Cosma and Damiano, on the porch lunette.
Extremely interesting are the frescos on the apse, with the representation of the saints’ martyrdom and the rise to Heaven, made by the local painter Francesco De Biase.
Main Works:
It is necessary to highlight the last work by Domenico Carella, which is kept in the sacristy and represents the Deposition of 1807. The statue of Saint Cosmo was made in 1782 and the statue of Saint Damiano in 1784.
Events:
For more than two centuries the deep popular devotion for Saints Medici is renewed during the magnificent celebrations that take place on 27th and 28th September.
Style:
The complex is characterized by the neoclassical style: the façade, built in 1885, shows elements like pilasters, Corinthian columns and seventeen steps that allow the access to the pronaos. The bronze door by Adolfo Rollo shows scenes from the Gospel representing the Beatitudes. In 1887 the clock was installed on the left bell tower and only in 1906 the Crucifix chapels were completed, together with the chapel of Saint Giuseppe and Sacro Cuore (Sacred Heart). In 1938 the parish church was elevated to the status of Sanctuary. In 1958 the consolidation and the internal restructuring works took place, in Renaissance style.
Sources: By the editorial staff Updated on: 30/06/2010
Project created in collaboration with InnovaPuglia.
Regione Puglia
Regione Puglia