Overview
The church of S. Giorgio Megalomartire in Piana degli Albanesi is a very important symbol of the arbëreshe community of Sicily. It is the oldest church in the historic centre of the city, built at the end of the 15th century on the banks of the Gjoni River, which today flows underground. The building underwent significant renovations in 1564 and 1619, and the latter is responsible for the change in orientation of the apse from east to west. The particular architectural style incorporates different elements of the Byzantine tradition, while the single-nave interior is richly decorated with frescoes, icons (including by contemporary artists) and works of art that represent a meeting point between Byzantine art and local Albanian influences. The latter include the fresco "San Giorgio in Gloria" by Cristodoro (1759) and the apse frescoed with the image of Christ Pantocrator.
The church is a point of reference for the local faithful and those from all over the island, in particular during the celebrations of Holy Week and the feast of St George, patron saint of the city. These traditions testify to the cohesion and pride for their roots of the arbëreshe community.
Via Nicola Barbato, 4, 90037 Piana degli Albanesi PA, Italia
